TDOE Announces Inaugural Award Celebrating Work-Based Learning Partnerships:Oliver Technologies & Summertown Metals make the list

As part of the annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Institute, today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the 49 work-based learning (WBL) employers named a Tennessee Flagship Industry Partner for their contributions and partnerships with local school districts across the state.

Nominated by school districts across the state, Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners are employers whose partnerships with their local school districts have significantly improved student outcomes. Nomination criteria included having a WBL program that provides students with a seamless transition into postsecondary and/or the workforce, full-time employment opportunities for students upon high school graduation, employment for students with disabilities, a Tennessee Certified Pre-Apprenticeship or Registered Apprenticeship program, among others.

"Work-based learning is an integral part of Career and Technical Education that works to equip all students for success after high school," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "We applaud all the Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners for prioritizing their local districts, schools, and the workforce by offering students experiences that develop employable skills for high-demand, high-skill careers."

The selection process for the Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners is based on the cumulative, quantitative impact each employer has on elementary, middle, and high school students through a variety of employment readiness activities, including pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, and seamless postsecondary and workforce transitions.

Both Summertown Metals and Oliver Technologies were proudly nominated by the Lewis County School System.