State of the Workforce Program
The State of the Workforce program airs at 6 p.m. Central time Mondays on NewsChannel 5+.
Introducing TNWorks
In this episode, we discuss TNWorks, a groundbreaking initiative that unites six state agencies to strengthen the state’s workforce and economy.
Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Deniece Thomas and Deputy Governor and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter share how this collaborative effort will help businesses thrive across the state.
Later, we hear from Tennessee Higher Education Commission Executive Director Dr. Steven Gentile and Tennessee Board of Regents Executive Director Dr. Jeff Sisk, who discuss the vital education component of TNWorks and how it equips Tennesseans with the skills needed for long-term success.
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
Episode 11: ProStart
Guests: Brittany Barragan, Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association; Chef Lyndsey Weatherford of Nolensville High School; Audrey Mangrum and Evan Tracey, culinary students at Nolensville High
Episode 12: Teacher Apprenticeships and Lipscomb's IDEAL Program
Guests: Dr. Leslie Cowell, Dean of the College of Education at Lipscomb University; Melanie Shinbaum, Nashville Early Education Coalition; Angela Goddard of the Joe C. Davis Foundation; Misty Vetter Parsley and Becky Sullivan from the Lipscomb IDEAL Program
Episode 13: Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation
Guests: Troy Haley, Marion White, Claudia Byers, Lance Wheaton, Marshay Jones, and Suzy Douglas
Episode 14: The Demand for Skilled Workers
Guests: Michael P. Davidson of the Skilled Careers Coalition; JJ Owens; Chef Ben Vaughn of Sow Project
Episode 15: Benefit Cliffs
Guest: Timberly Russell of the Martha O'Bryan Center
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+.