Funded by the Arconic Foundation, the Internship Program for Young Adults consists of three paid components: 

1. Three weeks of Workforce Readiness Training

2. 100 hours of hands-on manufacturing experience interning with a Blount County manufacturer and an optional online training through Tooling U-SME

3. Three half-days of Follow-up and Graduation. 

Participants must complete all three components.

What You Do:

• Actively participate in 15 (4-hour) days of workforce readiness training 

• Work 100 paid hours with a local manufacturer and complete optional Tooling U-SME online courses

• Earn 3 paid half-days of follow up and graduation 

What You Gain:

• Technology and transferable skills that will help you succeed in any career

• Hands-on experience with a local manufacturer

• A certificate of program completion

• Competitive resumes, reference lists, and job interview skills

• A nationally-recognized Production Associate Certification from Tooling U-SME

• Certificates with some manufacturers, in areas such as forklift and safety

Schedule

February 2 - 20:  2 ½ weeks of Soft Skills Training (60 hours) at the Blount County Public Library’s Learning Lab.

Classes are held from 9 AM–1 PM, Monday through Friday. During this time, participants will receive training in skills needed to obtain and maintain a job in the manufacturing field. Participants will also tour manufacturing facilities and technical colleges.

February 23 - March 10:  100 hours of hands-on manufacturing experience interning with a Blount County manufacturing company.

Participants will gain hands-on job experience, learning manufacturing processes and will potentially earn certifications. (Each participant submits his/her top choices and assignments are made with participants in order to find the best fit possible.).                                                                                                                                                          

March 11-13:  3 half-days (12 hours total) of Follow-up, Career Readiness, and Graduation

Participants then return to class for career follow up and preparation, and graduation.

Graduation: March 13, 12-1 PM

Blount County Public Library

501 N. Cusick Street

Maryville, TN 37804

Below are just a few video slideshows from previous classes. We are so proud of all of our interns throughout the years!

Generously funded by the Arconic Foundation, the internship program is a partnership with the Blount County Friends of the Library, the Blount County Public Library, Blount Partnership, Gear Recruiting, and the Adult Education Foundation of Blount County, in collaboration with local Blount county manufacturers.

Additional partners include the University of Tennessee College Access and Persistence Services Outreach Center, the American Job Center, and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology.

The program is hosted at the Blount County Public Library, 508 N. Cusick St., Maryville.