Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber 2017 Chamber Annual Report | Page 7

Workforce Development
& Education DIVISION
TOM PAYNE, VICE CHAIR
The Highlands Workforce Development and Education Program of Work was developed to address skill shortages in the workforce and ensure
education programs are aligned with the needs of employers in the Highlands Counties. A steering committee is responsible for on-going strategic
planning and visioning of a comprehensive approach to establishing a highly trained and skilled workforce. The steering committee guides and
directs the program goals which are led by action teams/sub-committees.
Accomplishments & Highlights:
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
STEERING COMMITTEE
SALLY PARDUE, CHAIR
• The Highlands Workforce Development and Education Steering
Committee is a collaborative initiative among 6 school districts,
postsecondary institutions, employers, community members and
Chambers of Commerce. The Steering Committee has implemented
programs in the K-12 education space designed to create early
awareness of career opportunities. Collaborations among stakeholders
allowed the Highlands Economic Partnership to become the first to
implement Pathways to Prosperity, a national network launched by
Harvard and Jobs for the Future. As a state program under the
Department of Education, it is focused on academic and career readiness
of students, building a pipeline of students in various industry sectors and
a Tennessee Reconnect Community to address the preparedness of the
adult workforce through neutral, third party college advising for adults
25 – 64 years of age.