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Workforce & Training

Top-Tier Training. Peak Performance.

Whether you need a highly skilled worker for your manufacturing facility, a well-trained employee for your regional office, or a talented technical professional, the diverse labor force of the 15-county region provides industries with world-class talent.

Our workforce pipeline includes employees from a large geographical area, drawing from 32 surrounding counties. With access to premier educational institutions, specialized workforce programs, and industry-driven training partnerships, East Tennessee ensures that businesses have a steady supply of job-ready talent.

In addition, students in Tennessee can receive two-years of free tuition at a community or technical college to Tennessee high school graduates, further advancing our workforce pipeline. With world-class talent and top-tier training, East Tennessee delivers a workforce prepared for peak performance—helping industries grow, innovate, and thrive.

Workforce at a Glance:

  • Flexible, growing workforce of 600,000

  • Easy accessibility and a tradition of commuting throughout 15-county region

  • Diverse population

  • Available skilled laborers

  • Low unionization

  • Very low worker turnover and absenteeism rates

  • Highly-ranked training programs

  • Competitive workers compensation rates

  • Affordable and competitive wages

  • Manufacturing workforce of over 62,000

  • Right-to-Work State

Higher Ed Students

70,000+

By The Numbers

600,000
Workforce Size
In the region
35,000
Technical Professionals
Across industries
81,000
College Students
Public & private institutions
62,000
Employed in Manufacturing
Workforce statistics

Training Programs


East Tennessee offers training programs designed to equip tomorrow’s workforce with the essential skills they need to thrive in their career of choice.

Education


In East Tennessee, you can expect to hire only the best, because our universities, community colleges, and technical schools are training tomorrow’s brightest workers, leaders, and innovators.

Regional Data


Our Data & Resources hub equips you with the insights about our region’s demographics, laborforce, and economy you need to explore East Tennessee’s limitless opportunities.