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TN department of labor launches youth jobs program aimed at building talent pipeline

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8 months ago

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TN department of labor launches youth jobs program aimed at building talent pipeline

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development this week launched a youth empowerment program aimed at teens and young adults who need access to hands-on work experiences.

The Tennessee Youth Employment Program will connect young people ages 14 to 24 with employers across several industries in the state. Participants in the program will gain work experience and earn up to $4,000. Participating employers will receive financial incentives to hire young workers in the skill-building program.

Internships and job opportunities in the program include companies large and small. Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Deniece Thomas said the goal is to help young people land their first job and gain skills they can leverage to build a successful career.

“Helping young workers succeed in their first job is crucial to starting them down the path to meaningful employment,” Thomas said in a news release about the program.

Tennessee youth, parents, counselors and businesses can visit yeptn.com to learn more about the Youth Employment Program and how to participate.

Program aims to bolster talent pipeline in Tennessee

Corporations in the tech and automotive industries have flocked to Tennessee in recent years, building headquarters offices and hiring for high-paying, high-skill jobs. Amazon built a two-tower office campus in Nashville, and Oracle is planning a 70-acre campus. Vehicle manufacturers are also expanding their footprint across the state, with Ford’s Blue Oval City making its mark near Memphis and GM’s expanded capacities in Spring Hill.

Highly-skilled workers are needed in Tennessee, perhaps now more than ever because of the tight labor market.

Tennessee Senate Majority leader Jack Johnson said the program will reap benefits across the state.

“Businesses want to move and expand here because they know we have a skilled workforce, and the Youth Employment Program will play a vital role in that economic growth,” he said in the release.

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