Workforce Readiness
Workforce Readiness in Tennessee
Ready to Launch Workforce Readiness Initiatives?
The workplace is rapidly evolving due to AI and new technical skills. Organizations and SHRM chapters can develop effective workforce programs tailored to meet local talent needs.
Getting Started
Assess Your Needs First. Conduct a talent assessment to identify skill gaps in your community. Are you lacking in technical skills, skilled labor, or professional capabilities? Understanding current needs helps you align strategically with external partners.
External Workforce Development
Partner with Local Organizations. SHRM offers resources for chapters and employers developing workforce development strategies. Collaborate with nonprofits that already serve your target audience:
- Junior Achievement
- Chambers of Commerce
- Boys and Girls Clubs
- Small Business Councils
- School boards and vocational programs
- City/county workforce development offices
- Veteran, women, and special needs organizations
Education Partnerships. Connect with high schools and colleges to offer experiential learning opportunities. Collaborate with student organizations on enterprise skills like SAP or AI processes.
Internal Development
Collaborate with SHRM Chapters. Reach out to your local chapter to host workforce development speakers or highlight available nonprofit training resources. Locate a local Tennessee SHRM chapter at https://tnshrm.org/TN_SHRM_Chapter_Leadership.
Address Current Skill Gaps. Evaluate where upskilling and reskilling can make the most significant impact. As Richard Branson said, "Train employees well enough that they could leave, but treat them well enough that they don't want to."
Leadership Development. Continuous leadership training is particularly beneficial as women progress in the workplace. Utilize mentorship and specialized organizations to cultivate confident, capable leaders.
Higher Education Resources. Explore local colleges and universities for both credit and non-credit programs. Career centers encourage employer collaboration and provide internship opportunities to develop a talent pipeline.
Get Support
SHRM Tennessee is here to help with your workforce development programming!
Have a success story? Share it with us and we'll help other chapters learn from your experience!
Contact: Dr. Kathy Tuberville, Workforce Readiness Director
Email: [email protected]
Resources from SHRM
- https://www.shrm.org/foundation/skills-first-future
- https://tnshrm.org/Workforce_Readiness
- https://www.gettingtalentbacktowork.org/
- https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/flagships/all-things-work/building-diverse-workforce-outreach-young-talent
- Untapped Talent Options (downloadable resource)
- https://www.shrm.org/about/press-room/shrm-ceo-johnny-c-taylor-jr-named-to-commerce-departments-american-workforce-policy-advisory-board
- All Things Work newsletter from SHRM—sign up to receive as a current member! https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/flagships/all-things-work
Other Resources
