Talented Workforce

East Tennessee companies draw employees from a 32-county geographical area. The region's skilled labor force is key in attracting new business. 

An exceptionally strong work ethic, affordability, greater productivity, lower absenteeism, and a higher degree of company loyalty are major competitive advantages for companies located in the Knoxville region. 

East Tennessee workforce highlights:

• Size
  • Flexible, growing workforce of 570,000 
  • Easy accessibility, commuting patterns and a tradition of commuting throughout 15-county region
  • More than 5,000 residents with Ph.D.s 
  • 50,000 technical professionals 
  • 45,000 employed in manufacturing
  • 65,000 college students 
  • Diverse population
  • Available skilled laborers 
• Affordability
  • Low unionization; right-to-work state 
  • Very low worker turnover and absenteeism rates 
  • Highly ranked training programs 
  • Competitive workers compensation rates 
  • Affordability and competitive wages
  • Manufacturing workforce of 45,000 at costs 7% below the U.S. average
• Training
  • Access to customized training, skilled training and incentives for training programs
  • 4 technology training centers
  • 4 community colleges
  • Home of the University of Tennessee flagship campus
  • Tradition of technology and manufacturing

Click below for more details:
Education 
Training