Beginning in October, the Workforce Investment Network (WIN) will refer eligible job seekers to an Industrial Readiness Training program designed for those individuals interested in working at the new Electrolux manufacturing facility, which will be a state-of-the-art plant manufacturing cooking products.

Electrolux has already hired about 50 individuals and is expected to hire about 200 more by May 2013 in Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Operations Management, Manufacturing and Assembly as the company tests its production lines. When Electrolux reaches full production over the course of the next five years, it is expected to employ more than 1,200 employees in all of the above areas, as well as Quality and Electrical. WIN will serve as the primary point of contact for individuals seeking entry-level employment with Electrolux by screening and referring qualified individuals to an Industrial Readiness Training class. The classes are being offered at Southwest Tennessee Community College and are in partnership with WIN and Electrolux.

Three classes of 25 students are scheduled to begin November 12 and end in early December. The cost of the Industrial Readiness Training course is $1,200, but WIN has funding available to pay the class tuition for eligible candidates.

Graduation from the class does not guarantee a position within Electrolux, but the course will be designed based upon Electrolux's specifications and training requirements.

Additionally, those completing the class may enroll in WIN's "Launchpad," which further prepares and helps connect Industrial Readiness Training graduates to other employment opportunities. Since January 2012, 250 individuals have completed a WIN-sponsored Industrial Readiness Training class, and 60 percent of those individuals have been hired by area manufacturing companies.