State of the Workforce Program
The State of the Workforce program airs at 6 p.m. Central time Mondays on NewsChannel 5+.
ProStart Helps Build the Next Generation of Chefs and Hospitality Leaders
In this episode, we dive into the world of culinary arts and hospitality through the lens of ProStart.
We talk with Brittany Barragan from the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association and Chef Lyndsey Weatherford of Nolensville High School about the ProStart program, which allows students to explore real-world careers in the hospitality industry.
Then it's off to the kitchen with the state culinary champions from Blackman High School in Rutherford County as they showcase the award-winning dishes that earned them the top title.
Finally, we catch up with management competition state champions Audrey Mangrum and Evan Tracey from Nolensville High School to learn about their winning restaurant concept, marketing strategy, and business plan.
Premiere episode
Guests: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Deniece Thomas and Adult Education Assistant Commissioner Jay Baker
Episode 2: The new Nissan Stadium
Guests: Johari Matthews, ONE Community and the Titans Foundation for the Tennessee Titans; Beth Duffield, Tennessee Builders Alliance; and Garrett Rea, TOSHA
Episode 3: Nissan Powertrain Assembly Plant
Guests: Matt Oberbay of Nissan and Nikki L. Garry, a transformational speaker and educator
Episode 4: Apprenticeship TN
Guests: Brandon Phinx, Middle TN Apprenticeship Director; and Larry Dickens, Training Manager at North American Stamping Group
Episode 5: Stax Records
Guests: Pat Mitchell Workley, CEO of the Soulsville Foundation; Isaac Daniel of Stax Music Academy; and Denetra Gee of Stax Museum
Episode 6: Economic Trends Shaping 2025
Guests: TDLWD Commissioner Deniece Thomas, ECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, ECD Assistant Commissioner Lyndi Berrones
Episode 7: Tourism in Tennessee
Guests: Commissioner Mark Ezell, Sara Beth Urban of the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association, Greystone Lodge on the River GM Jackie Leatherwood
Episode 8: Nashville and Memphis American Job Centers
Guests: Dr. Shanna Jackson, President at Nashville State Community College; Marla Rye, Executive Director of Workforce Essentials; and Sarita Allen of Crosstown Concourse
Episode 9: Go Build Tennessee
Guests: Steve Van De Voorde of Go Build Tennessee; Clay Crownover of Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Tennessee; and Leslie Grower of Associated Contractors of East Tennessee
Episode 10: Youth Employment Program
Guests: Courtney Richardson of Peer Power, Chris Trull of Buffalo River Resort, and TCAT Nashville Vice President Kevin Harrison
About State of the Workforce
The State of the Workforce program examines the new and innovative approaches Tennessee is taking to grow its talent pipeline to meet the needs of business owners while helping Tennesseans find quality and meaningful work. The program aims at 6 p.m. Central time Mondays on NewsChannel 5+.