You can see our community gives your business access to the talent you need today and tomorrow.

• 15 higher education institutions awarding approximately 9,000 degrees and certificates annually in our 45-minute region
• 45,000+ employees in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing in the 45-minute region
• #5 state in the nation for population growth among the millennial workforce (U.S. News)
• #1 state in workforce development for the south-central region according to Site Selection, 2020

But we are more than high rankings. We understand our industry targets and we have the talent pipeline, current workforce and training programs to support your business location and expansion decisions. Our team is ready to support you in sourcing your talent.

We work closely with our higher education partners. The 45-minute region is home to University of Tennessee Southern, Motlow State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technologies in Shelbyville and Pulaski, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, and John C. Calhoun State Community College.

Together, our more than 15 higher education institutions are awarding nearly 9,000 degrees and certificates each year in our target occupations of manufacturing, engineering, welding, computer science and more.

Our regional institutions combined with our excellent infrastructure system allows your business to draw labor from a wider geographic area. Our labor shed is enhanced by exiting military personnel from nearby Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville and Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma – more than 450 each year.

*School data is 2018-2019 school year per JobsEQ

We also work closely with our state partners to maximize programs locally.

• The Tennessee Work-Learn-Earn tool allows students, advisers and advocates to connect to in-demand job opportunities and the education needed to achieve career goals.
• Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar grant for adults to earn an associate degree or technical certificate, tuition-free.
• Tennessee also offers Apprenticeship TN, a statewide initiative powered by the Tennessee Workforce Development System (TWDS) to create a greater awareness of apprenticeship opportunities for employers and workers.
• The Tennessee Industrial Training Service can custom design a training program for the specific needs of your firm.