Industry and Labor Data
The Department of Labor and Workforce Development coordinates and publishes data that can help employers plan a relocation or expansion of their business in Tennessee. Industry projections, population data, staffing patterns, and labor supply can help business owners make informed decisions about a location within the state that will best serve their needs.
Hiring a Qualified Workforce
The state of Tennessee provides business owners the necessary tools to find a trained and qualified workforce to meet their company’s hiring needs. Through the Jobs4TN.gov system, employers can post jobs and search for candidates. The Department’s Business Services Team can also provide employers with personalized workforce development assistance, such as recruitment events and screening services.
Hiring Migrant & Seasonal Farmworkers
Migrant farmworkers travel to Tennessee each year to help with the cultivating and harvesting of crops in regions across the state. Through the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program, the state can assist employers looking to hire migrant farmworkers.
Employee-Based Tax Incentives
The state of Tennessee has several tax incentive programs that help employers achieve a diversified workplace and provide Tennessee workers access to employment.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire and retain individuals from target groups that either meet specific conditions or have been faced with significant barriers to employment. Employers claim about $1 billion in tax credits each year under the WOTC program.
Incumbent Worker Training Grant
The Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWT) is a competitive grant that provides funding to help eligible Tennessee businesses effectively train and retain employees by providing skills upgrades and process improvement training for existing, full-time employees.
On-the-Job Training Grants
When an employer identifies the need to fill a vacant position, they often has a choice of hiring a skilled worker or a worker who needs to have additional training. If the employer is willing to hire an individual who has no prior experience in the vacant position, an on-the-job training contract may be developed with the Local Workforce Development Area. Under this agreement, the program can pay up to 50% of the trainee's wages during the specified period.
What to Know As You Hire Employees
We can help new Tennessee employers understand and navigate the process of onboarding new employees and the reporting requirements associated with hiring them.
Labor Laws
You can learn more about Tennessee’s Labor Standards Unit and the six labor laws it enforces. They include the Child Labor Act, Wage Regulation Act, Prevailing Wage Act, Illegal Alien Act, Tennessee Lawful Employment Act, and the Non-Smoker Protection Act.
Assistance with the Cost of Employee Training
The Department of Labor and Workforce Development can help provide employers funding to assist with the cost of employee training. The state offers grants that fund the retraining of existing employees or provide training as an incentive to grow a company’s workforce.
Building a Trained Workforce with a Registered Apprenticeship Program
The state of Tennessee oversees a robust program that promotes and facilitates registered apprenticeship programs for any size company. Apprenticeship TN can assist employers with starting a new program or finding an organization to sponsor a program. There is an apprenticeship director in each grand division of the state to provide personalized service to employers.
Employees' Safety and Health
The state of Tennessee works to keep employees safe and healthy while on the job. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) offers services of outreach, consultation and enforcement efforts. The Workplace Regulations and Compliance (WRC) division enforces laws and educates the general public, owners, operators, users, employers, and employees about associated risks.
Hiring Justice-Involved Individuals - Federal Bonding Program
The Federal Bonding Program can help employers hire and bond high-risk applicants. Bond coverage of up to $25,000 self-terminates in six months.
Virtual American Job Center Service Matcher
The Virtual America Job Center Service Matcher can help your employees find assistance so they can better manage their work-life priorities. The Service Matcher finds programs to remove barriers such as childcare, transportation, and uniform costs so your employees can worry less about those needs and concentrate on becoming a key asset for your company.
Visit the Department of Labor & Workforce Development's website.