Workforce
Robust Local Workforce
Ready for All of Your Business Needs
Washington County and the greater Northeast Tennessee region are home to a highly skilled workforce, supported by a strong network of educational institutions and technical training programs. This workforce is bolstered by partnerships between local industries, higher education, and career and technical programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demands of today’s economy. Institutions such as East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Northeast State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Elizabethton, and local Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are critical to the region’s success in developing a pipeline of skilled labor.
Talent Pipeline
Through partnerships with local high schools and higher education institutions, our workforce development initiatives focus on building a pipeline of talent, offering hands-on learning opportunities, certifications, and technical training in areas such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and engineering.
Work-Based Learning Programs
Initiatives like Science Hill High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs connect students directly with local manufacturers for internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships, ensuring that future workers are job-ready upon graduation.
Advanced Skills Training
Programs such as the First Tennessee Development District’s Workforce Development Programs and TVA’s Valley Workforce Institute provide ongoing professional development and certifications, keeping our workforce competitive and aligned with industry needs.
Commitment to Incarcerated Worker Re-Entry
Innovative re-entry programs, offering certifications and training for incarcerated individuals, further strengthen the talent pool by preparing workers with practical skills as they re-enter the workforce.
Northeast State Community College
Northeast State Community College is a key contributor to the region’s skilled labor force, providing associate degree programs and workforce training in areas such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. The college’s focus on technical education and workforce development makes it a vital partner for local industries seeking to fill specialized roles.
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The Advanced Technologies Division at Northeast State offers programs in fields like engineering technology, electromechanical technology, and welding, which are critical to the manufacturing sector. The college’s Workforce Solutions Division works closely with regional employers to provide customized training programs that address the specific needs of businesses, ensuring that the local workforce is equipped with the technical skills required for emerging job opportunities.
Northeast State also offers career pathways that are aligned with the needs of local industries, such as the Kingsport Center for Higher Education and the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM). These facilities provide cutting-edge training and resources, including state-of-the-art equipment and instruction from industry experts, preparing students for high-demand jobs in manufacturing and industrial technology.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs in Local Schools
The region’s public school systems, including Johnson City Schools and Washington County Schools, are committed to fostering the next generation of skilled workers through robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These programs provide high school students with early exposure to career pathways in fields such as healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, information technology, and automotive technology. We have a focus on connecting their Advanced Manufacturing and Welding students to our existing industry.
CTE programs offer students hands-on learning opportunities, industry certifications, and dual enrollment options with local colleges and technical institutions. By partnering with local manufacturers, healthcare providers, and other employers, these programs provide students with internships, job shadowing, and work-based learning experiences that prepare them for immediate employment or further education after graduation.
Johnson City Schools’ CTE programs are particularly well-regarded for their focus on healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. The district has built partnerships with local manufacturers to offer students practical experiences in fields such as engineering and advanced manufacturing, ensuring a seamless transition from high school to either post-secondary education or entry into the workforce.
In Washington County Schools, CTE programs emphasize career readiness and provide students with the technical skills needed to succeed in industries critical to the region’s economy. Programs in agriculture, construction, and automotive technology are highly popular, as these fields continue to be in high demand across the region.
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