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 - The Demand for Skilled Workers

In this episode, we sit down with Michael P. Davidson from the Skilled Careers Coalition to discuss the urgent demand for skilled workers as the industry faces a wave of retirements.

Next, JJ Owens shares strategies for reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha to inspire the next generation of talent in the skilled trades. We also spotlight Skills Jam, a unique conference where young people experience hands-on opportunities to explore career paths.

Finally, we head into the kitchen with The Sow Project, where chef Ben Vaughn highlights culinary apprenticeships in Memphis and the importance of hiring justice-involved individuals. (August 28, 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: August 28, 2025 at 2:17 PM