TPM Academy of Southern Virginia (SOVA)
The TPM Academy® is a training developed by the U.S. Chamber Foundation that seeks to enhance partnerships between employers and their talent supply chain partners. The TPM Academy is facilitated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and is supported by a customized curriculum that serves as an employer handbook giving participants the knowledge, skills and abilities to implement talent supply chain solutions on behalf of their employer collaborative members.
In partnership with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), the TPM Academy will bring together workforce, employer and education leaders over a six-month period to learn the TPM Framework together. This framework will build a foundation for advancing workforce development in the region.
This project was funded in part by GO VIRGINIA, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of higher wage jobs in strategic industries.
The IALR understands that workforce development is one of the most important challenges for employers. IALR’s goal with this Academy is to strengthen sector partnerships and support talent pipeline development for manufacturing employers using principles of supply chain management.
All participants in the TPM Academy are required to commit to attending all the training sessions listed below. Each training will consist of lecture, group work, and community application. We recognize that attending the Academy alone will not result in change for your community—it will require your commitment to identifying, developing, and integrating tactics throughout your approach. Upon graduating the TPM Academy you will become part of the National Learning Network, a collaborative group that will support your efforts beyond your TPM Academy experience.
With questions regarding the academy, please email Julie Brown at julie.brown@ialr.org.
Please direct any technical issues with the application to workforce@uschamber.com.
Missed the interest webinar? Review the recording here.
- TPM Orientation: April 29 (Virtual)
- Strategy 1: May 21 and 22 (in-person; TBD)
- Strategies 2-4: June 19 and 20 (Virtual)
- Strategies 5+6: August 4 and 5 (in-person; TBD)
- Window opens: February 24, 2025
- Applications due: March 28, 2025
- All accepted applicants will be notified of their acceptance by April 8, 2025.
Priority audience includes representatives from the manufacturing and controlled environment agriculture industries, particularly employer representatives who support workforce development, succession planning and hiring.
Secondary stakeholders include representatives from organizations who provide business services, including expansion and retention programs and aligned workforce training opportunities.
Tuition for the Academy is generously covered by IALR and in part by GO VIRGINIA (a $3,000 value).
Travel, lodging, and dinner for the in-person events will be the responsibility of the participant. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided at the in-person training sessions.
Ready to Apply?
Before you begin your application, please be sure to review all information provided on this page. Because there is no ability to save your work once you begin the application process, we strongly encourage you to prepare your documents and answers to the application questions in advance.
Once you click submit, scroll down and make sure that you see a submission confirmation prompt on the page. If you do not there may be an error in your application. Please review and resubmit before exiting the page.
With technical questions, please email workforce@uschamber.com.