Tennessee Workforce Training Programs Power Economy

Flint Chaney

Tennessee is a magnet for businesses, and perhaps the Volunteer State’s greatest asset is its people. Innovative workforce training and development programs are fueling growth, keeping Tennessee competitive on the national stage and preparing students and adults for today’s and tomorrow’s jobs. 

New Opportunities in Tennessee

Deniece Thomas, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, says while Tennessee’s economy thrives across several key sectors, new opportunities are also emerging. 

“We’re seeing growth in tourism and hospitality, health care, transportation and warehousing, and construction,” Thomas says. “And we’re starting to see nuclear creep into emerging industry numbers, as well. With the advent of AI, information technology is also climbing.” 

She says that a mix of longstanding strengths and cutting-edge industries underscores the need for education systems to stay nimble in terms of workforce training and career development. 

Nathan Lambrecht

Earn and Learn Here

One of Tennessee’s most effective strategies has been a focus on apprenticeships and work-based learning, which bridges the gap between classroom and career. Thomas says these programs gained even more momentum during the pandemic when many adults needed flexible training options. Employers also benefit because they’re able to shape the skills of their future hires. 

“We reached our height of apprenticeship expansion during that time, where individuals were really focused on being able to earn and learn at the same time,” she says. “These opportunities allow people to upskill without giving up their income, while also offering progressive wage increases as their skills advance. It’s really a win-win for both employer and apprentice.” 

Another way the state’s colleges and universities are adapting to a changing job market is by weaving artificial intelligence into almost every major, as opposed to having a standalone degree in computer science. 

“Whether you’re a nurse or an engineer, there’s an AI portion of the curriculum that’s baked in so students gain familiarity,” Thomas says. 

A Head Start to Success 

For high school students, work-based learning provides valuable exposure to careers before they commit to a specific path. 

“The best way to do that is by actually practicing it – putting hands to it to see if it’s something you’re interested in,” Thomas says. 

Some students will continue to four-year universities, while others will attend one of the state’s technical or community colleges where they can attend tuition-free thanks to Tennessee Promise, a scholarship and support program. Others will take advantage of high school career and technical training opportunities and go straight to the workforce. Thomas says the GIVE (Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education) Act ensures all students have the support they need. 

“It gives students who are more on a technical and vocational track an opportunity to have an equal playing field versus those who will typically follow the more traditional four-year university road,” she says. “That expansion has been a game changer for Tennessee.” 

The state and its educational institutions have also invested heavily in dual-credit and dual-enrollment opportunities, allowing high school students to earn college credit before graduation. The GIVE Act has expanded these programs and lowered barriers to participation. 

“It’s great to think about the potential of students who are able to take these credits before they leave high school. By the time they reach post-secondary, they’ve already done a lot of work toward their degree,” Thomas says. “It just gives them an earlier head start.” 

Job Market Alignment 

Looking ahead, the state is doubling down on job market and training alignment. For example, TNWorks is a statewide strategy that launched in 2025. It is designed to streamline how businesses and workers access training and support. 

Instead of navigating multiple agencies, companies will have a single hub where workforce development, economic development and education come together. 

“One of the things we heard loud and clear from employers was, ‘We don’t want to talk to 10 different people to get what we need,’” Thomas says. “Our answer is for us to come together to make sure there’s alignment, symmetry and a clear response to current and future workforce needs. And our collective response is to say, ‘We believe we can do things better and bigger in Tennessee.’ TNWorks will allow us to do that.”