Training Opportunities

Customized Training

When an employer identifies the need to train a group of job applicants in a specific occupational skill area, the Local Workforce Investment Area (LWIA) can assist with meeting the employer's training needs. The local program can pay up to fifty percent (50%) of the total cost for training a group of potential employees. The employer must agree to hire all of the applicants referred who successfully complete the training. This training is also available for incumbent workers who need training to keep their jobs.

On-the-Job Training

When an employer identifies the need to fill a vacant position, they often have a choice of hiring a skilled worker or a worker who needs to have additional training. If the employer is willing to hire an individual who has no prior experience in the vacant position, an on-the-job training contract may be developed with the Local Workforce Investment Area (LWIA). Under this agreement, the local program can pay up to fifty percent (50%) of the trainee's wages during the specified training period. The employer must agree to hire the trainee, if he/she successfully completes the training.

Incumbent Worker Training

The Incumbent Worker Training Program provides grant funding for customized training for existing for profit businesses.

Lay-Off/Rapid Response

The Rapid Response Team from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is here to assist you with the transitioning of your employees. We serve both workers and employers.

Workforce Investment Scholarship

You may be eligible for the Workforce Investment Needs-Based Scholarship that can pay up to $4,000 per year for unmet needs.

Tuition, fees, and books
(-) Pell Grant
(-) Lottery Scholarship
(-) Other federal & state financial aid
 =  Unmet Need

The Workforce Investment Act provides Needs-Based Scholarships to eligible applicants entering approved post-secondary training programs.

Institutions providing training services must be certified as eligible training providers and placed on the statewide list maintained by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) in addition to an application for WIA. To determine if the post-secondary education program that you are interested in qualifies, visit the THEC website.

In addition to unmet need, transportation stipends are also available to help reduce the cost of traveling to and from the training institution.

If you are interested in learning more, contact your local Tennessee Career Center.

Hiring Assessments

Approved Training Provider List

Institutions providing training services must be certified as eligible training providers and placed on the statewide list maintained by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). To determine if the post-secondary education program that you are interested in qualifies, visit the THEC website at: http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/wiaetpl/