Tennessee launches Youth Employment Program to build up workforce
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee will connect youth with employment opportunities thanks to a program designed to help the state’s workforce.
The Youth Employment Program (YEP), which launched Monday, is open for 14 to 24-year-old Tennesseans looking to enter the workforce. Job opportunities range from county government work, to healthcare, logistics, and university jobs.
The youth who participate also have the chance to earn up to $4,000.
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Senate Majority Leader, Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) said most companies interested in moving to or expanding in Tennessee often inquire about the state’s workforce, and the answer could make or break whether they come to Tennessee.
“They want to come here, they want to expand here, and that’s a really, really good thing, but our folks at [the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development] will tell you one of the first questions they get when they’re recruiting a company or talking to a company about expanding is, ‘Where are we going to get our workforce?'” Johnson said.
The workforce is a common concern across the state and country.
“We’re hearing about the need for more workers; the need for more qualified and skilled workforce. We know labor force participation is something that is being talked about. Workforce development is the buzzword all across the country,” said Deniece Thomas, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
YEP’s main goal is to improve Tennessee’s workforce and teach the youth valuable skills so they’re prepared to enter the professional world. In addition, YEP allows participants to test-drive different careers and discover their likes and dislikes.
Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom
Montgomery County mayor, Wes Golden watched firsthand how beneficial YEP is to the youth last year when he employed two students to work in his office.
“Invest in our youth through money, time, and knowledge, and in this program, thanks to the General Assembly, the commissioner, and our governor, the money is already taken care of,” Golden said. “It’s up to us to invest in that knowledge and invest in that time into our youth.”
However, the youth participants aren’t the only ones who benefit. Golden told News 2 Montgomery County is the youngest county in the state population-wise, and welcoming two youths into his office provided a new perspective they wouldn’t have otherwise had.
Wilson County mayor, Randall Hutto, who also plans to participate in YEP this year as an employer called the program a “win, win, win.”
“This will allow the students to go out and test drive some jobs and have some people to kind of help them so they’re not on their own,” Hutto said. “The employers here have the chance to give back, and they want to work with our students and give them some opportunity, so that’s a win for them, and then our parents that turn these children loose at 14 to 24, they know they’ve got some guidance as they turn that son or daughter into the workforce world.”
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To learn more about YEP, or to apply, click here.
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