Training & Upskilling
Train new hires on the job, upskill current staff, and launch apprenticeships to strengthen your workforce
TNWorks Talent Accelerator
The TNWorks Talent Accelerator offers a central hub where employers can share their workforce needs, connect with training providers, and begin the enrollment process for grant-supported training opportunities.
The Talent Accelerator currently includes the following programs:
- TN Talent: TN Talent enables Tennessee-based employers to tap into $5 million in workforce funding through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund to expand employer-driven workforce training programs in nuclear energy, AI infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. Employers can apply to offset the cost of incumbent worker training in these high-demand fields, for both new hires and incumbent workers.
- Rural Works: The Rural Works initiative supports businesses in rural Tennessee as they expand training, strengthen their workforce, and prepare employees for the opportunities ahead. This $2 million investment is designed to help employers in rural communities build practical, industry-aligned talent solutions across multiple sectors.
Explore Programs
Support for employee literacy and HSE credentialing.
Description:
Program that focuses on improving math, writing, and science skills and prepares individuals for the high school equivalency (HSE) exam.
Eligibility:
Incarcerated in a TDoC facility.
Meets behavioral and security clearance standards.
Has time remaining on sentence to complete the programs.
Custom employee training programs through TCATs/colleges.
Description:
Custom employee training programs through TCATs and community colleges focused on developing high-tech, industrial, office, and healthcare skills.
Targets major corporations, small businesses, industry, healthcare facilities, professional organizations, and government agencies.
Eligibility:
Employer of any size and in any sector.
Must be willing to partner with a local TCAT or community college to design and deliver training.
Direct state grants for training new full-time employees.
Description:
Direct grant to companies to support training of net new full-time employees.
Eligibility:
Based on number of new hires, investment, and skills needed.
Pre-hire training not eligible.
Funding to train current employees and boost productivity.
Description:
Competitive grant program that funds upskilling and process improvement training for current full-time employees.
Helps businesses retain staff, avert layoffs by upgrading existing workforce skills.
Eligibility:
Businesses must be for-profit or nonprofit; in operation for at least 1 year.
Employees trained must be full-time and meet wage and retention requirements.
Employer contribution required based on size.
Provide incarcerated individuals with college-level training.
Description:
Offers college-level courses in partnership with local colleges and universities.
Helps those incarcerated earn degrees or certifications.
Eligibility:
Incarcerated in a TDOC facility.
Meets behavioral and security clearance standards.
Has time remaining on sentence to complete the programs.
Access to subsidized training for SNAP-eligible candidates.
Description
Connects SNAP recipients with employment and training opportunities through partnerships with employers and training providers. Businesses can access a motivated pool of jobseekers and potential partnerships for training and employment services.
Eligibility
Willing to collaborate with TDHS or E&T providers; openness to hiring individuals facing barriers; provide meaningful work or training.
Safety compliance training for workforce trainers.
Description
Workplace safety & regulatory training for employer-designated trainers.
Helps ensure compliance with TN Occupational Safety & Health requirements.
Eligibility
Available to Tennessee-based employers in industries regulated by TOSHA.
Trainer candidates commit to delivering training within their organization.
Recruit and train paraprofessionals into teaching careers.
Description
Federally registered, state-sponsored program to create a no-cost pathway into the teaching profession.
Some programs prioritize paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, or career changers already working in schools.
Eligibility
Employed or sponsored by participating school district partnered with approved EPP; meet EPP requirements; commit to coursework and on-the-job training.
Grant-funded workforce development for low-income residents.
Description
In partnership with Community Action Agencies across Tennessee, TDHS provides workforce development grants aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for low-income individuals. Employers can work with a CAA to receive TDHS-funded support for training programs or other partnerships.
Eligibility
Partner with a designated Community Action Agency; co-design or host workforce training/subsidized employment; provide supportive work environment.
can't find what you are looking for?
Connect with a TNWorks representative to learn more.