State of the Workforce

Host Chris Cannon speaks with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Alex Beene and Tom Stolarick, who is the Director of Academic Services about New Pathways to a Diploma to achieving a high school diploma.  A number of tests different than the HiSet exam will be offered for students to help make the exam best suited for them. If you have additional questions about New Pathways to a Diploma...

On this episode of Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined, Lisa Watson of the Labor Standards Unit of the Workplace Regulations and Compliance Division discusses how the unit protects minors and employers at the workplace with the TN Child Labor Act. The Labor Standards Unit also is reponsible for the TN Lawful Employment Act, TN Wage Regulations Act, and the TN Non-Smoker Protection Act.

On this episode of Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined, Commissioner Deniece Thomas provides an overview of the Department's priorities for 2024. From Youth Employment to engaging Tennessee employers, to a brand-new unemployment computer system, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development has many exciting projects ready to make a difference in the lives of Tennesseans in 2024.

On this edition of Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined, we talk with State Apprenticeship Director, Shalondria Shaw and Deputy State Apprenticeship Director, Autumn Derrick of Apprenticeship TN. In 2019, the State of Tennessee started Apprenticeship TN, in about 4 years the state of Tennessee has over 8,300 active apprentices and 375 Registered Programs. Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while...

On this edition of Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined, we talk with Garrett Rea who oversees Tennessee OSHA's Consultative Services Unit. That unit works with Tennessee employers to identify and fix any possible TOSHA violations before they become an issue. It is a free service that can help save employers money by avoiding fines, and most importantly, it can help keep workers from becoming injured...

The Jobs for Veterans State Grants, or JVSG, program provides federal funding through a formula grant to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. That funding allows a dedicated staff to provide individualized career and training-related services to veterans and eligible persons with significant barriers to employment and to assist employers in filling their workforce needs wit...

Late summer and early fall are fair season in Tennessee. On this episode of Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined, host Chris Cannon talks with Mike Hardy, manager of the Department's Amusement Device Unit. Learn about the permitting process for the rides you see on the midway. Also, they explain exactly what an amusement device is and the regulations that are in place to keep them safe. And you will f...

During this episode of Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined, host Chris Cannon talks to Martha Wettemann and Amanda Klafehn about a new report that details occupational demand across Tennessee. The report provides critical insight for job seekers looking to train for an in-demand occupation and employers who need to be in the know.

New to Tennessee in 2023 is the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). This state-funded program allows Tennesseans ages 14 through 24 to gain valuable work experience while earning a competitive wage of up to $16 an hour. On this episode of Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined, host Chris Cannon talks with Troy Jenkins who is the manager of SYEP. He talks about the importance of gaining work experie...

Commissioner Deniece Thomas talks with Chief Communications Office Chris Cannon about her history with the Department and her rise to the Commissioner's office. She also discusses why there is a need to reimagine Tennessee's workforce and her strategy to make that happen. The Commissioner also discusses other key initiatives to grow Tennessee's Labor Force Participation Rate so businesses can cont...