Work on the multi-use stadium and surrounding development will continue, despite the one-year delay of the first Knoxville Smokies baseball season. We are communicating with individuals who have earned opportunities to work on the project and with our partners. If you are interested in building a construction career and preparing for future opportunities, now is the time to enroll in our training programs.

“Our Workforce Development and Entrepreneurship programs are designed to assist disadvantaged business owners prepare for a project of the stadium’s scale and build their capacity to compete in future projects,” said Phyllis Y. Nichols, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. “Even before the stadium project was introduced, we provided opportunities to help contractors gain certifications and improve their job prospects. Nothing about that has changed.”

“This pause in the project’s timeline is an opportunity to emphasize our training programs and expand the pool of participants. We encourage people interested in construction to contact the Knoxville Area Urban League and get connected with a Workforce Development or Entrepreneurship program so that they can have an advantage in the industry.”

We are accepting applications for our newest construction opportunity, the Level UP Skills Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Through the eight-month program, construction workers will make money while completing nationally standardized and accredited training. The credentials earned can be built upon and are recognized across the industry, giving participants an advantage when searching for long-term work.

“The stadium project will be transformational for a community in need of permanent jobs that pay a livable wage and for ownership and growth of Black businesses,” Nichols said. “Until construction workers can break ground, we’ll help them build a solid foundation so that they can be successful for the stadium project and others to come.”

More information about the Knoxville Area Urban League’s programming is available at thekaul.org. Individuals can contact the local Urban League office at 865-524-5511 to get involved.