Upskill Mid-South

With $21.5M in funding from the Economic Development Administration, Upskill Mid-South is a regional industry-led economic program to support the competitiveness of the workforce. Upskill Mid-South will use proven strategies to assist businesses in cultivating the skilled workforce they need to compete in this ever-changing economy. It is led by the University of Memphis and supported by backbone entities throughout the region. These backbone entities are forming sector partnerships that will develop plans to train workers and place them in quality employment that pays good wages and provides benefits.

Who is eligible?

Upskill Midsouth provides in-demand training to unemployed and underemployed workers based on industry-identified needs. Designed to be collaborative, Upskill Midsouth invests in strategic industry partnerships within 42 counties in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The objective is to bridge employer-identified skill gaps, address the needs of workers, and eliminate barriers to employment in the following industries: advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology, and construction.

What do we do?

We connect participants to accelerated training classes from four weeks to six months, serving up to 1,860 students. The goal is to offer training in skills that are the same quality as traditional educational models, but in less time. Training programs focus on industry needs in advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology, and construction.

How to get involved?

Employers and other organizations can contact Principal Investigator Wesley James at wljames1@memphis.edu.

Individual Jobseekers – click here to contact us with specific questions about any of the training opportunities in the following areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics, Technology, and Construction.