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Open house, job fair offers public pipelines, pathways for career success

By Marketing and Communications Staff

Medical District High School students examine specimens during a Medical Lab Technician class at Southwest Tennessee Community College.
Medical District High School students examine
specimens during a Medical Lab Technician class at
Southwest Tennessee Community College.

With more than 12,000 annual workforce development and academic degree-seeking students passing through Southwest Tennessee Community College, it is no wonder the school continues to be one of the Mid-South’s largest suppliers of technically skilled workers. 

The upcoming Southwest Workforce Solutions Center (SWSC) Open House and Career Fair, set to take place on April 18, starting at 9 a.m. at the Macon Cove Campus, highlights Southwest’s 141 academic, career, and technical programs. It is a unique opportunity for students, the business community and public to explore the programs that are specifically designed to meet the Mid-South’s growing demand for skilled professionals, from allied health and nursing to various technologies sectors. This is the second year for the Open House. 

“The open house showcases what Southwest has to offer the Mid-South community,” said Amy Shead, associate vice president of workforce development. “With an annual enrollment of more than 12,000 students, Southwest is a key economic and workforce driver for the local and regional community as 96 percent of our graduates remain in the Memphis area.” 

This year’s focus, “Igniting the Workforce: Building Pipelines and Pathways for Career Success,” emphasizes the importance of fostering strong connections between students, employers, and the skills necessary for success in various industries. These pipelines not only bridge the gap between education and employment but also highlight the college's integral role in the community. During the event's expo, attendees will witness firsthand how SWSC offers students seamless career pathways, bridging non-credit and credit courses with responsive, in-demand career-technical education. 

Southwest Tennessee Community College partners with Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLG&W) to provide line worker training and boot camps for youth interested in pursuing a career with the utility company. 
Whitehaven High School students climb utility
poles during a Memphis Light, Gas and Water 
boot camp at the Macon Cove Campus. 

The event coincides with NC3 National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day, which is when high school students interested in pursuing a technical career formally commit to Southwest Tennessee Community College. Students and attendees will also have the opportunity to visit potential employers at the career fair, explore technologies and health care fields through immersive and interactive activities inside the Southwest Express Mobile Career Exploration Labs, tour the college’s state-of-the art technologies building and listen to an open forum on workforce development with industry leaders.  

William H. Gary, Sr. 
William H. Gary, Sr. 

 

Guest speaker William H. Gary, Sr., of William H. Gary Consulting, LLC, will facilitate an industry panel and roundtable session for sponsors during the event. He is a national consultant on workforce, community, business and economic development.

Gary retired from Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in 2023 after leading its workforce division after serving 14 years as vice president of workforce development for Northern Virginia Community College, the nation’s second-largest community college. Since then, he has restructured and expanded the college’s programs to meet the region’s workforce demands and create clearer pathways to indemand jobs for residents. He has more than 30 years of experience in private and public sector management. His private sector experience includes operations management, human resources management, business development, government relations, and legislative affairs in industry sectors such as steel manufacturing, health care, information systems, telecommunications, and aviation. 

“William Gary offers unparalleled expertise when it comes to workforce and economic development issues,” Shead said. “It is truly an honor to have him share his experiences and lead the discussion on workforce development.” 

The open house is free to attend. Sponsorships are available for as little as $250 to $5,000 and include various benefits, such as logo placement during the event, networking opportunities, and a VIP luncheon. Proceeds from donations and sponsorships will go to The Southwest Foundation for student scholarships. The Foundation helps students overcome financial and life challenges threatening their ability to complete their certificate or degree. To become a sponsor and register for the event, go to Igniting the Workforce. 

For more information, contact Braylin Laster, associate vice president of institutional advancement and resource development, at bwlaster@southwest.tn.edu.