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State of the Workforce

State of the Workforce

Written by: TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce
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 State of the Workforce takes an in-depth look at the many services each division within the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers and how they each work towards creating jobs or a safe work environment for Tennesseans. From American Job Centers to Tennessee OSHA and the state's Elevator Unit, the Department provides citizens with diverse services. Each month, guests will discuss these services and how they impact the lives of tens of thousands daily.Copyright TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Peabody Hotel

    Peabody Hotel
    Feb 2 2026
    In this episode, we head to The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, an iconic Tennessee landmark, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a world-class hospitality workforce. We’re joined by Doug Browne, President of Peabody Hotels & Resorts, and Karen Thompson, Director of Human Resources, as they share how the Peabody invests in its people, creates pathways for career growth, and maintains excellence in customer service. The conversation highlights workforce development in hospitality, leadership, and the culture that helps the Peabody remain a premier destination while preparing employees for long-term careers in the industry.
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    23 mins
  • TBR Nuclear

    TBR Nuclear
    Jan 5 2026
    (00:00:00) TBR's Chancellor Flora =Tydings and Roane State's Teresa Duncan
    (00:08:28) TCAT Dickson's Nuclear Program
    (00:14:39) Tennessee's Community Colleges are shaping how the nuclear industry will be in the future

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into Tennessee’s growing nuclear energy industry with the Tennessee Board of Regents. We’re joined by Chancellor Flora Tydings and Teresa Duncan, TBR’s Nuclear Workforce Lead Strategist, as they discuss how Tennessee continues to lead the nation in nuclear innovation and workforce development. We explore how the state is preparing and recruiting the next generation of nuclear professionals, then head to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Dickson, where students are training for high-demand careers that will shape the future of energy in Tennessee. To close, Chancellor Tydings and Teresa Duncan highlight the wide range of career opportunities within the nuclear industry and what lies ahead for this growing sector.
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    22 mins
  • UpRise

    UpRise
    Dec 1 2025
    (00:00:00) UpRise
    (00:11:02) Rachel, Carole Peterson, and Al Brady from UpRise Nashville
    (00:16:29) Diamond a current "leader" in the UpRise Nashville Program
    (00:22:34) Carole Peterson and Al Brady talk about the future of UpRise Nashville and an update on Rachel

    In this episode, we spotlight UpRise Nashville, an organization reshaping lives through its innovative workforce development program. Carole Peterson and Al Brady share how UpRise supports individuals who are unemployed or underemployed and facing barriers—whether justice-impacted, in recovery, or navigating other challenges. Through credential training and holistic support, UpRise empowers participants—known as “leaders”—to build new career pathways and long-term stability.

    We also speak with Diamond, a current leader in the program, who shares her goals, her experience, and her vision for a future career.

    Finally, Carole and Al return to discuss the future of UpRise Nashville and provide an update on Rachel, a leader featured earlier in the show.
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    23 mins
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