Workforce Board Helps Perdue Workers Transition

The Upper Cumberland Workforce Board will support former Perdue workers and help them transition into new job opportunities.

Upper Cumberland Workforce Board Director Becky Hull said the center is prepared to assist with both immediate and long-term career planning. Hull said services are tailored to meet each individual.

“Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence for us as the Workforce Board,” Hull said. “We come together, that is what we are is a strategic convener. To bring together all the entities to be able to assist each county and each community in each county to have a thriving workforce.”

Hull said the board offers workshops that include résumé building, interview preparation, and job search strategies. Hull said anyone impacted by the closure should visit the Upper Cumberland Workforce to explore available resources.

The plant will close in March, putting some 433 workers out of a job. The company said it would cost too much to upgrade the plant. Hull said both the Cookeville and Crossville centers are fully staffed and ready to assist.

“We will be able to offer each of the affected workers one-on-one assistance with various things,” Hull said. “Such as job placement services with direct hires into other companies that may be hiring. We will work with those who want to take the opportunity to gain some skills training and we will work with those who need career counseling.”

Hull said the board has reached out to partners such as the Department of Human Services and Vocational Rehabilitation to provide direct referrals for individuals. Hull said the Upper Cumberland has implemented the “Work First” initiative. Hull said this program allows the board to work directly with employers and assist in vetting résumés.

“We work with our title three partners to vet resumes, to make good matches with employers,” Hull said. So that it assists the employers in not having to interview individuals whose skills may not meet the requirements that they have, so we do a vetting process for them.”