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 you learn on the way to a career in an industry. Shalondria and Autumn discuss why ApprenticeshipTN became a State Apprenticeship Agency, bringing Registered Apprenticeships to the healthcare industry, and National Apprenticeship Week from November 13-19.

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 or killed while on the job. Garrett discusses how the program works and how Tennessee employers can access this service at no cost.

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 with job-seeking veterans. On this episode of Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined, Tennessee's JVSG managers Jeffery Dent and Kevin Welch talk about the state's program and how they are helping former military transition into the civilian workforce.

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 find out how to report something that doesn't look right at a fair or carnival.

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 experience when you are young and how this program is not just for the summer month.

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 continue to thrive in the state.