Tennessee Workforce Development Academy
The UT Center for Industrial Services developed the Tennessee Workforce Development (TNWFD) Academy to help bridge the gap between workforce and economic development. The inaugural TNWFD Academy was held in Knoxville in February 2025!
The two-and-a-half day interactive Academy is designed for workforce development professionals, business and HR leaders, community leaders and economic development practitioners. Participants will benefit from panel discussions, networking, and expert instruction to facilitate better alignment among stakeholders. Critical topics include skills gaps, workforce challenges, emerging trends, utilizing data and exploring linkages between workforce development and economic development at the local, regional and state levels.
Key drivers of the TNWFD Academy include:
- Strengthen alliances between workforce development, economic development and industry partners to advance economic development.
- Enhance workforce development systems to address key state and regional goals, particularly in rural and distressed areas.
- Support professional development needs identified by workforce development practitioners.
Who Should Attend?
- Workforce development professionals
- Business leaders and HR professionals
- Community and economic development professionals
Date and Location:
March 3-5, 2026 in Cookeville, TN
Course Agenda: Coming Soon!
Course Fee: Coming Soon!
Registration | Early Registration
The registration fee covers course instruction. Course materials, Lunch (days 1-3), Breakfast (days 2-3), one networking reception (day 1), and refreshment breaks are complimentary. Registration does not cover hotel and other travel expenses. Registration is limited to 50 participants and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please remit payment for the course no later than 10-days prior to the course start date. If payment is not received, you risk having your registration cancelled to make room for those on the wait list.
Course Times:
Onsite check-in: 9:00 AM
Day 1: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM*
Day 2: 8:15 AM - 5:15 PM
Day 3: 8:15 AM - 2:00 PM
*Networking reception Day 1: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Registration: Coming Soon!
Register - Link Coming Soon!
If you need assistance accessing your account, please contact us at 615-253-6371 or email us here. You may also register by submitting a Course Registration Form by email.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to the course start date will be eligible for a full refund or credit. Cancellations made less than 7 days will be eligible for credit only for a future course.
Hotel Accommodations: Coming Soon!
Scholarships: Coming Soon!
Dress Code:
The attire for the course is business casual.
Contact Autumn Derrick, Workforce Development Consultant, for more information at Autumn.Derrick@tennessee.edu. Follow UT CIS on Facebook, X and LinkedIn to get the latest news about this opportunity!
See our past TNWFD Academy Graduates: