Apprenticeships in Tennessee Exploring the Opportunities

The Stage is Set! The Drive to 55 is Governor Bill Haslam’s initiative to increase the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary degree or credential to 55 percent by the year 2025. The Drive to 55 is focused on ensuring that more Tennesseans are equipped with the skills and credentials that will be needed to support the state’s economy now and in the future.

The Necessary Ingredients for Success Significant improvement with post- completion outcomes Abundant supply of skilled talent Stronger alignment between credentials and skill demand

Can Expanding Apprenticeships Help? A critical component of statewide talent development Improves public and private sector engagement Strategy for learn-and-earn opportunities National Outcomes 410,370 active apprentices 91% find employment $60,000 or higher average salary

Other Factors of Consideration Low labor force participation rates - 60.7% Tightening labor market – 3.4% unemployment Supporting attainment beyond credential production – 40.8% attainment rate Growth of middle skill jobs Tennessee Outcomes 55 of 95 Counties 309 Sponsoring Companies 5,466 Active of 145,307 Registered Apprenticeships

The Opportunity? Alignment with the implicit goal of Drive to 55 Remedy for Tennessee’s tightening labor market Alternative for traditional seat-time education approach Strategy to improve soft skills through work experiences Improve the completion pipeline

Is This An Opportunity Worthy of Action? Ownership: public-private partnership approach Accountability: setting goals for success Urgency: sustainable supply of labor and talent

Thank You! Kenyatta Lovett, Executive Director Complete Tennessee CompleteTennessee.org 615-454-5197