Labor and Workforce Development Podcasts

Welcome to State of the Workforce! Tennessee's robust economy has led to tremendous growth recently. Major corporations are moving or expanding across the state, creating tens of thousands of new jobs. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is reimagining workforce development to meet the needs of these businesses.

State of the Workforce - Lipscomb's Teacher Apprenticeships and IDEAL Program

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on early childhood education and the growing need for qualified teachers across Tennessee.

Dr. Leslie Cowell, Dean of the College of Education at Lipscomb University, and Melanie Shinbaum from the Nashville Early Education Coalition discuss the urgent demand for educators serving children up to age 5. Cowell and Angela Goddard of the Joe C. Davis Foundation explore how teacher apprenticeships at Lipscomb are opening doors for aspiring educators.

Lastly, Misty Vetter Parsley and Becky Sullivan from the Lipscomb IDEAL Program share how they’re preparing individuals with developmental disabilities for meaningful employment and greater independence. (June 27, 2025)

State of the Workforce Podcast Episodes


Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined Podcast

The Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined podcast has ended production. Find previous episodes in the Podcast Archive below.


Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Podcasts:

State of the Workforce

Department Podcast
State of the Workforce

Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined

Department Podcast
TN's Workforce Reimagined
(TWR ended production.)

Talking Second Chances

TN Office of Reentry Podcast
Talking Second Chances


This Page Last Updated: July 3, 2025 at 1:35 PM