On Wednesday, June 14, the Rutherford Works team was invited by the White House to be a part of President Trump's announcement at the Department of Labor promoting work-based learning.  Holli Montgomery, President of Schwan Cosmetics, Tyra Pilgrim, CTE Director for Rutherford County Schools, Ryan Pierce, 2017 Blackman High School graduate and a freshman at the University of Memphis accompanied Beth Duffield, Senior Vice President for Education & Workforce Development at the Rutherford County Chamber.  Though the official event was canceled due to unfortunate events in the DC area, the group was able to meet with Senator Alexander’s education policy writers and Labor Secretary Acosta to discuss the value of Career & Technical Education, the Rutherford Works Summer Internship as well as Schwan Cosmetics’ apprenticeship for maintenance techs.  The group was invited by the White House represented of work-based learning successes from Tennessee, Georgia and Indiana.  All of these states are a part of Jobs for the Future Pathways to Prosperity. 

More recently the Chamber has hosted fact-finding visits on the internship program from Delaware Technical & Community College research staff and Peter Edelman, Carmack Waterhouse Professor of Law and Public Policy & Faculty Director for the Center on Poverty and Inequality at Georgetown University Law.

With retirement creeping up on their current workforce, the power industry is facing challenges to hire and train skilled workers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  Amy Byers, Marketing Director for MED, remarked, "The Rutherford Works Internship Program provides MED with the opportunity to stay actively engaged in workforce issues and gives high school students a chance to experience real-world work envirnonments while finding their passion." The “hands-on” experience during the internship is invaluable because it helps the student connect theory to practical application as he or she considers the course of study in college.

When asked about MED's success with the program Byers said, "As a matter of fact, we actually have hired one of them back to work during his summer break from college."

Murfreesboro Electric Department is a founding member of the Rutherford Works Summer Internship Program. Thank you for your continued support!