Middle Tennessee’s workforce remains strong and able, thanks in large part to the abundance of practical training opportunities in the area.

Of particular interest to employers, employees and job seekers are the community and junior colleges that have campuses in Clarksville, Columbia, Franklin, Gallatin, Murfreesboro and Nashville, and the Tennessee Technology Centers in Dickson, Murfreesboro and Nashville. These institutions serve many students who want to learn or hone a trade.

In addition, the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development operates Tennessee Career Centers across the state to help match job seekers with employers. Each center offers computerized labor market information, Internet access, workshops, and job placement, recruitment and training referrals.

Locally, the Nashville Career Advancement Center offers free career development services to help people build their skill levels. NCAC, a division of the Nashville-Davidson County Mayor’s Office, teams with partner organizations to operate six Tennessee Career Centers in Davidson, Rutherford, Trousdale and Wilson counties.

"Our agency provides career development for people who aren’t sure what they want to do," says Angela May, communications director. "Job seekers can come in and sit down one-on-one, and we help them figure out what their skills are. NCAC prepares workers with the skills they need and the skills employers are looking for."

The Nashville Career Advancement Center is also a valuable resource for employers. "If employers want help recruiting three or 300 people, we can help with that, too," May says.