MECO Leads the Way in Workforce Development with Youth Internships Across Key Manufacturing Roles

The First Tennessee Development District (FTDD) is proud to recognize MECO Corporation for its outstanding commitment to developing a pipeline of work-ready youth in Greene County. By leveraging Tennessee Youth Employment Program (TYEP) and Youth Work Experience (WEX) funds, MECO has provided meaningful opportunities for

local youth while helping to meet the company’s long-term workforce needs.

Through this partnership, MECO has hosted interns across multiple career pathways, including information technology, supply chain, production, and logistics. The company has also emphasized the development of essential soft skills by providing opportunities in customer relations and greeting visitors to the Greeneville facility. These diverse experiences give interns hands-on exposure to high-demand careers while helping them build critical communication and workplace skills.

"We are thrilled to celebrate MECO’s investment in Greene County’s next generation of workers," said Lisa Evans, WIOA Program Director. "By leveraging TYEP and Youth WEX funds, MECO is not only strengthening its own workforce pipeline but also setting an example of how employers can create opportunities for youth to gain valuable experience close to home."

Whitney Winters, President of MECO Corporation, added “Since MECO’s founding over 65 years ago, our leaders have believed in creating opportunity and building something lasting—for our employees, our customers, and our community. These youth internships carry that same spirit forward. By investing in Greene County’s young people today, we’re not just filling jobs—we’re cultivating the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who will shape the future of American manufacturing.”

One of the program interns shared their experience, saying:

“My time at MECO over both of my internships have been phenomenal! The people that I have worked with taught me everything about the jobs that I have completed. I learned so much from the maintenance internship that I never thought that I would. I learned about all the inner workings of what it takes to keep an industry running: all the background workers that not many see because they work on a critical machine long after everyone leaves. My second internship in 2025, I was invited to apply for a safety internship. In that internship, I learned all that I could from the team about environmental concerns, day-to-day safety, and how to prevent big accidents from happening. I learned that there is a team that has your back if something happens to you. At MECO all the people there care for their personnel, and they want to make a difference with a safe work environment and an overall great learning environment. If I have another chance to come back in 2026, well you best bet I will be taking it!!-” Elijah Case, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Student

This partnership demonstrates how public-private collaboration can create lasting opportunities for young people while meeting the needs of local employers. MECO’s commitment ensures that Greene County youth gain valuable work experience, career exposure, and the skills necessary to succeed—helping businesses grow and communities thrive.

The FTDD encourages other regional employers to follow MECO’s lead and explore the benefits of programs like TYEP and Youth WEX, which support talent development and reduce hiring and training costs for businesses while creating career pathways for local youth.

For more information about this and other District News, please contact Misty Willison, mwillison@ftdd.org.