Jack Matherly(Jack Matherly / LinkedIn)

For some graduates of public high schools here in Hamilton County, their next steps beyond the classroom are careers in fast-growing industries: lineworking, welding, data analysis and cybersecurity.

Viable Pathways to Prosperity is a local effort that connects those graduates with job training, career opportunities, mentorship and support to succeed in those industries.

Keri Randolph is executive director of the nonprofit Chattanooga 2.0, which steers the initiative.

Jack Matherly - who completed the welding program offered by Viable Pathways - now works for Miller Industries, the world’s largest manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment.