University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services

09/16/2026

AI doesn't have to be intimidating, even on the manufacturing floor.

Our new online course, AI in Manufacturing, breaks it down into five practical areas: predictive maintenance, quality inspection, production optimization, everyday productivity tools, and a roadmap for getting started. Fully online, self-paced, and open to anyone regardless of experience level.

Training Program runs Oct 1 to Jan 15. Learn more and sign up: https://bit.ly/4pVBSz6

09/15/2026

🎉 We're celebrating one of our own today!

Congratulations to Jutta Bangs, counselor with the Tennessee APEX Accelerator, on her election as President-Elect of the NAPEX - National APEX Accelerator Alliance!

We've watched Jutta pour her energy into this network for years, from serving as Region 5 Director to most recently leading as Communications Chair, where she helped modernize NAPEX's communications and kept counselors across the country up to speed on federal procurement regulations. Now she's taking that leadership to the national stage. She'll step into the President role in August 2027.

"I'm honored to take on this role and continue serving a network that does so much to help small businesses succeed in government contracting," Jutta shared.

We couldn't be prouder to see her hard work recognized like this. Congratulations, Jutta!

09/15/2026

AI for Manufacturing Hits Jackson Next Week

Not sure where AI fits on your shop floor? You've got one more week to find out. UT CIS and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry are bringing a hands-on, no-experience-needed workshop to Jackson — built for manufacturers, by people who understand manufacturing.

📅 September 24, 2026
📍 605 Airways Blvd, Room 150, Jackson, TN

Two sessions, pick your fit:
🕗 Morning (8am–12pm): Foundations & Applied Practice
🕐 Afternoon (1–5pm): Applied Deep Dive

Seats won't last — register now: https://bit.ly/4y0yGVL

09/09/2026

09/08/2026

First responders: take your rescue skills to new heights. 🌲🧗

Join UT CIS for Basic Tree Aerial Rescue for First Responders, October 12–14 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

This hands-on training gives participants the opportunity to work alongside experienced instructors while practicing climbing, anchoring, rapid ascent and pickoff-style rescue techniques for tree-related emergencies.

- October 12–14
- Oak Ridge, TN
- Registration deadline: October 5

Rope Rescue Operations-level training is required.

Ready to climb? Secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/4qcvkfE

09/07/2026

Please note that our office will be closed Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy the holiday.

09/04/2026

AI That Actually Works on Your Shop Floor

Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Join UT CIS and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry a hands-on workshop built specifically for manufacturers — no experience required.

📅 September 24, 2026
📍 605 Airways Blvd, Room 150, Jackson, TN

Choose the session that fits your team:
🕗 Morning (8am–12pm): Foundations & Applied Practice — perfect for beginners
🕐 Afternoon (1–5pm): Applied Deep Dive — for teams ready to implement AI in their operations

Seats are limited — register today! https://bit.ly/4y0yGVL

09/04/2026

Don’t wait — today is the last day to register for the 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher in Knoxville.

This course is designed for individuals who need to maintain their HAZWOPER certification and refresh their knowledge of hazard recognition, personal protective equipment, site safety procedures and emergency response.

If you need your annual refresher, now is the time to secure your spot.

Sept. 14 | Knoxville

Register today: https://bit.ly/4xkUCLt

09/03/2026

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation – Office of Environmental Stewardship in collaboration with the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP) are hosting two upcoming workshops for Tennessee based facilities that manufacture internal combustion engine-related vehicle equipment, components, or systems.

These workshops will provide an overview of the new Hybrid Vehicle Manufacturing Conversion Grant Program and TMEP’s technical assistance offerings to prospective grant applicants to evaluate facility readiness for entering the hybrid vehicle manufacturing space.

Attendees can register for either workshop to learn about eligibility, eligible projects, and road mapping assistance for transitioning from internal combustion engine-related manufacturing to hybrid vehicle or component production.

🔸 Virtual Workshop
The virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 23, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. CST.

Register for the virtual workshop here:
https://tn.webex.com/weblink/register/r74ae55aa39fce39d16c23fa65b5692aa

🔸 In-Person Workshop
The in-person workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 29, at 9:00 a.m. CST at the Fleming Training Center in Murfreesboro (2022 Blanton Drive). This event will also give participants direct access to program experts who can answer questions and provide additional guidance.

Register for the in-person workshop here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/4pbTafZqMa