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State of the Workforce

State of the Workforce

By: TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce
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Summary
 State of the Workforce takes an in-depth look at the many services each division within the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers and how they each work towards creating jobs or a safe work environment for Tennesseans. From American Job Centers to Tennessee OSHA and the state's Elevator Unit, the Department provides citizens with diverse services. Each month, guests will discuss these services and how they impact the lives of tens of thousands daily.Copyright TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Second Chances, New Opportunities

    Second Chances, New Opportunities
    2 Nov 2026
    On this episode of State of the Workforce, we explore how Tennessee is helping justice-involved individuals find meaningful employment after incarceration.

    We begin with Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White, Grants and Programs Managers with the Tennessee Office of Reentry, who discuss the office's efforts to break down employment barriers and create pathways to successful reentry.

    Next, we take a closer look at the LEAP (Linking Employment Activities Pre-Release) program, exploring how it prepares individuals for the workforce before leaving incarceration and the benefits employers can experience by hiring second-chance talent.

    Finally, we hear from Jerrod Howse, owner of Professional Driving Academy, and Rico Gross, a PROWD (Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development) participant. Rico shares his journey to employment with Professional Driving Academy after nearly 23 years in prison, while Jerrod discusses the value of giving returning citizens an opportunity to build a career and a new future.
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    23 mins
  • National Disability Employment Awareness Month

    National Disability Employment Awareness Month
    6 Oct 2026
    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 Department of Disability and Aging Commissioner Brad Turner joins us to discuss employment opportunities and support for Tennesseans with disabilities.

    We also explore MAPs (Medicaid Alternative Pathways), a program that uses technology to help people with disabilities succeed in the workplace and become more independent in their communities.We hear from Lorena, a MAPs participant who works at McDonald’s, about how the program has helped her develop skills such as using rideshare technology to get to work and the senior center.

    We wrap up the episode with Commissioner Turner discussing how technology can continue to remove barriers and help people with disabilities achieve greater success in employment and everyday life.
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    22 mins
  • Tile Valley in Tennessee

    Tile Valley in Tennessee
    7 Sep 2026
    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 develop the next generation of skilled workers for Tennessee’s tile industry and how these careers can create generational opportunities for families.Several Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology are also developing tile industry programs to meet the growing demand for skilled workers. Finally, we go inside a tile factory to see the work firsthand and learn about the culture and environment that make this industry a unique career opportunity.
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    23 mins
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