State of the Workforce

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and on this episode of State of the Workforce, we highlight the importance of creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. We begin with 21-year-old Levi Armstrong, an employee at Stockdale’s in Paris, Tennessee, whose hard work and positive attitude make an impact on everyone around him. Next,Tennessee Depart...

On the latest episode of State of the Workforce, our Workforce Focus takes us to Tile Valley, where nearly every piece of tile produced in America has a connection to Tennessee. We explore the skilled workforce needed to produce this specialized product with Michael Kephart, President of Kephart Group Inc., and Cliff Wightman, President of TCAT Upper Cumberland. They discuss their partnership to d...

In this episode, we explore how Career and Technical Education (CTE) is preparing Tennessee students for successful careers. We begin at the new Williamson County Innovation Center, where Jeremy Qualls and Kris Schneider discuss how hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and innovative programs are equipping students with the skills and credentials needed for today's workforce. Next, we visit t...

(00:00:00) What is Workforce Pell and who is eligible (00:09:38) Workforce Pell's impact on the employers (00:15:01) Workforce Pell's impact on postsecondary In this episode, we explore Workforce Pell, a new expansion of the federal Pell Grant program that will allow eligible students to use federal financial aid for short-term workforce training programs—not just traditional college degree progra...

In this episode, we visit Kofee Broz, a coffee shop that is doing far more than serving drinks in Robertson County. Kofee Broz is creating opportunities by opening its doors to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities—providing workforce experience, hands-on training, and valuable skills that prepare them for future employment. We sit down with owner Elecxus Ellis, who shares how he...

(00:00:00) Thistle Farms (00:09:32) Thistle Farms CEO Tasha Kennard (00:09:36) Thistle Farms job readiness program with Tasha Kennard (00:17:08) Thistle Farms graduate Lacey Stone In this episode, we spotlight Thistle Farms, a nationally recognized social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors of trafficking, addiction, and exploitation rebuild their lives. Through residential support, tr...

In this episode, we explore the growing nuclear renaissance in Tennessee, with a focus on the innovation and opportunity emerging in Oak Ridge and across East Tennessee. We’re joined by Tracy Boatner, President and CEO of the East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC), and Braden Stover, Chief Policy Advisor for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, to discuss why this is suc...

On this episode, we spotlight Go Build Tennessee and the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across the state. We begin with Nick Lawrence, President of the Go Build Board of Directors and President of The Christman Company, who discusses Tennessee’s most in-demand skilled trades occupations and why the industry is critical to the state’s economic future. Next, we talk with Brent David...

In this episode, we head to The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, an iconic Tennessee landmark, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a world-class hospitality workforce. We’re joined by Doug Browne, President of Peabody Hotels & Resorts, and Karen Thompson, Director of Human Resources, as they share how the Peabody invests in its people, creates pathways for career growth, and maintains excel...

(00:00:00) TBR's Chancellor Flora =Tydings and Roane State's Teresa Duncan (00:08:28) TCAT Dickson's Nuclear Program (00:14:39) Tennessee's Community Colleges are shaping how the nuclear industry will be in the future In this episode, we take a deep dive into Tennessee’s growing nuclear energy industry with the Tennessee Board of Regents. We’re joined by Chancellor Flora Tydings and Teresa Duncan,...

(00:00:00) UpRise (00:11:02) Rachel, Carole Peterson, and Al Brady from UpRise Nashville (00:16:29) Diamond a current "leader" in the UpRise Nashville Program (00:22:34) Carole Peterson and Al Brady talk about the future of UpRise Nashville and an update on Rachel In this episode, we spotlight UpRise Nashville, an organization reshaping lives through its innovative workforce development program. C...

(00:00:00) TNWorks - Commissioner Deniece Thomas and Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter (00:16:19) TNWorks - Dr. Steven Gentile and Dr. Jeff Sisk In this episode, we explore a new way of building business in Tennessee through TNWorks, a groundbreaking initiative that unites six state agencies (Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development,Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Deve...

In this month’s episode, we sit down with Timberly Russell from the Martha O'Bryan Center in Nashville to explore a critical issue facing many working families: the benefits cliff. This phenomenon occurs when individuals receiving public assistance face a tough choice—accept a raise or promotion and risk losing essential benefits, or turn down career advancement to maintain support. Timberly share...

(00:00:00) Michael P. Davidson - Skills Career Coalition (00:08:07) JJ Owens - Skilled Career Coalition (00:16:23) Brian Vaughn - The Sow Project In this episode, we sit down with Michael P. Davidson to discuss the urgent demand for skilled workers as the industry faces a wave of retirements. Next, JJ Owens shares strategies for reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha to inspire the next generation of talent...

In this episode of State of the Workforce, we sit down with representatives from the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) to explore the vital role the Bureau plays in supporting both workers and employers across the state. We discuss how the BWC helps Tennesseans through services like mediation, the ombudsman program, and return-to-work initiatives designed to assist injured workers in...

Workforce Focus: Building Tennessee's Early Childhood Education Pipeline In this episode of State of the Workforce, we shine a spotlight on early childhood education and the growing need for qualified teachers across Tennessee. Dr. Leslie Cowell, Dean of the College of Education at Lipscomb University, and Melanie Shinbaum from the Nashville Early Education Coalition join us to discuss the urgent...

In this episode, we dive into the world of culinary arts and hospitality through the lens of ProStart. We sit down with Brittany Barragan from the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association and Chef Lyndsey Weatherford of Nolensville High School to explore how ProStart allows students to explore real-world careers in the hospitality industry.  Then, it's off to the kitchen with the State Culina...

In this month’s episode of State of the Workforce, we focus on the future—specifically, the next generation entering the job market. The 2024 Youth Employment Program (YEP) was a major success, connecting nearly 5,000 young people aged 14–24 with meaningful work experiences across Tennessee. We sit down with Cortney Richardson from Peer Power in Memphis, who shares how YEP participants gained hand...

This month on State of the Workforce, we spotlight the skilled trades industry in Tennessee and the growing demand for trade professionals. We sit down with Steve Van De Voorde, Board President of Go Build Tennessee, to discuss the urgent need for skilled workers and how apprenticeships are helping to close the workforce gap. Next, we hear from Clay Crownover of Associated Builders and Contractors...

In this episode, we explore how new partnerships are reshaping workforce development in Tennessee. In Nashville, the American Job Center has relocated to Nashville State Community College's East Davidson campus, creating a co-located hub for education and employment services. We sit down with Dr. Shanna Jackson, President of Nashville State, and Workforce Essentials’ Executive Director Marla Rye t...

From the vibrant energy of Beale Street in Memphis to the high-speed excitement of the Bristol Motor Speedway, tourism plays a vital role in Tennessee’s economy. Host Chris Cannon sits down with Tourism Development Commissioner Mark Ezell and Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association CEO & President Sara Beth Urban to explore how sales tax revenue from visitors is reinvested into communi...

State of the Workforce: 2025 – A Look Ahead In 2025 this insightful episode, we explore the evolving landscape of labor, workforce development, and economic trends shaping 2025. Joining us are Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Deniece Thomas and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter. They share how their collaborative efforts between workforce initiatives and...

In this episode, we travel west on I-40 to the legendary Stax Records in Memphis, the birthplace of some of music’s greatest hits. We sit down with Pat Mitchell Worley, CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, to discuss Stax’s pivotal role in shaping the state’s cultural identity and its contributions to workforce development through youth programs. Next, we meet Issac Daniel of the Stax Music Academy,...

This special episode of State of the Workforce celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, expanded by Tennessee's Office of Apprenticeship to a full month! From November 12-19, join us as we highlight statewide conferences across Tennessee’s three grand regions, each focused on advancing apprenticeships and workforce development. We’ll sit down with Brandon Phinx, the Middle TN Apprenticeship Direct...

In this episode of State of the Workforce, we shine a spotlight on the Nissan Powertrain Assembly Plant located in Decherd, Tennessee, recently voted one of America's top manufacturing facilities to work for a second consecutive year. The plant is known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and employee satisfaction. The episode dives into Nissan Decherd's forward-thinking approach, highlight...