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  • Second Chances, New Opportunities

    Second Chances, New Opportunities
    Nov 2 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 Min.
  • National Disability Employment Awareness Month

    National Disability Employment Awareness Month
    Oct 6 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 Min.
  • Tile Valley in Tennessee

    Tile Valley in Tennessee
    Sep 7 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 Min.
  • Career and Technical Education

    Career and Technical Education
    Aug 3 2026
    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 the PIE Innovation Center in Bradley County, where students are gaining real-world experience through partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions. PIE Director Brittany Cannon explains how the center is creating career pathways, strengthening the regional workforce, and helping students prepare for college, technical training, military service, or immediate employment.
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    22 Min.
  • Workforce Pell Grant

    Workforce Pell Grant
    Jul 6 2026
    (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 programs. This new initiative is designed to help more Tennesseans quickly gain the skills needed for in-demand careers while helping employers meet workforce needs.

    We begin with Jay Baker, Assistant Commissioner of Adult Education for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and Julie Roberts, Chief Academic Officer for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. They explain who is eligible for Workforce Pell, how the program works, and the benefits it will provide to students seeking affordable, career-focused training.

    Next, the conversation turns to the impact Workforce Pell will have on Tennessee's employers by expanding the pipeline of skilled workers and making workforce training more accessible than ever before.

    Finally, Russ Deaton, Executive Vice Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, joins the show to discuss how Workforce Pell will transform Tennessee's postsecondary institutions and create new opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials that lead directly to high-demand careers.
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    22 Min.
  • Kofee Broz

    Kofee Broz
    May 28 2026
    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 her dream of opening a coffee shop began when she was just 10 years old. Guided by faith and a passion for helping others, Elecxus built Kofee Broz with a mission to “bridge the gap where coffee meets education.”

    The conversation highlights how Kofee Broz is empowering people through meaningful work, building confidence, and creating an inclusive environment where employees can grow personally and professionally while serving their community.
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    23 Min.
  • Thistle Farms

    Thistle Farms
    Apr 30 2026
    (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, trauma-informed care, hands-on job training, and workforce development, Thistle Farms is creating pathways to lasting independence.

    We sit down with CEO Tasha Kennard, who reflects on nearly 30 years of impact in Nashville and the organization’s growth. What began in 2001 with a small workforce program making candles, lotions, and other products has expanded into a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility—equipping women with transferable skills for a wide range of careers.

    In the next segment, Tasha shares insight into Thistle Farms’ job readiness program, which combines classroom learning with real-world experience. From coaching women on workplace expectations to hands-on training in the Thistle Farms Café—where participants learn to navigate challenges like customer service and conflict resolution—the program prepares women for long-term success. She also discusses what’s ahead for the future of job readiness at Thistle Farms.

    Finally, we hear from Lacey Stone, a recent graduate of the program, who shares her journey and determination to continue growing. After completing the program, Lacey pursued additional training with UpRise Nashville and Titans Construction Camp (TC2), ultimately leading to employment and a promising future.
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    23 Min.
  • Nuclear Renaissance in Tennessee

    Nuclear Renaissance in Tennessee
    Apr 6 2026
    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 such an exciting time for the nuclear industry and its workforce. The conversation also highlights Oak Ridge’s historic role in the Manhattan Project and how that legacy continues to shape cutting-edge energy solutions and career opportunities today and into the future. Finally, we talk with Brandon Phinx, State Apprenticeship Deputy Director, about National Apprenticeship Week and the importance of expanding apprenticeship programs to build the next generation of skilled workers.
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    23 Min.