Work-based learning opportunities through the Tennessee economic boom: training for generations
Authors: Bilderback Stephanie 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent economic boom in Tennessee and the role of work-based learning WBL opportunities in contributing to this growth. The paper will analyze data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to provide an overview of the changes in the labor force and employment in the state over the past ten years. Additionally, the paper will delve into the various WBL programs offered in Tennessee, such as K-12 Career and Technical Education (CTE), Tennessee Chamber Work-based Learning, and more, that are designed to provide individuals of all ages and stages with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce. The paper will also discuss how the growth in WBL opportunities has led to an increasing need for new hires and how it could lead to the development of new industry in Tennessee. The paper aims to provide a detailed examination of the economic boom in Tennessee, and the impact of WBL opportunities on the development of local workforce and industry.

Design/methodology/approach
The design of this paper is to analyze the recent economic boom in Tennessee and the role of work-based learning WBL opportunities in contributing to this growth. The methodology used in this paper is primarily a review of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to provide an overview of the changes in the labor force and employment in the state over the past ten years. Additionally, the paper will review the various WBL programs offered in Tennessee and their standards, to understand how they are designed to provide individuals of all ages and stages with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce. The approach taken in this paper is an analytical one, where the data is analyzed to understand the trends and patterns in the labor market and the impact of WBL opportunities on the workforce. The paper also includes insights from relevant research studies and experts in the field to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Findings
The findings of this paper indicate that there has been a significant economic boom in Tennessee over the past decade, as evidenced by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data shows a consistent increase in the labor force and employment in the state, with a corresponding decrease in the unemployment rate. The paper also found that the growth in work-based learning WBL opportunities in Tennessee has played a significant role in contributing to this economic boom. The paper reviewed various WBL programs offered in Tennessee and found that they are designed to provide individuals of all ages and stages with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce.

Originality/value
This paper brings an original perspective on the recent economic boom in Tennessee and the role of work-based learning WBL opportunities in contributing to this growth. By analyzing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paper provides an overview of the changes in the labor force and employment in the state over the past ten years, which has not been thoroughly examined in previous studies. Additionally, the paper delves into the various WBL programs offered in Tennessee, and how they are designed to provide individuals of all ages and stages with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce, which is an original aspect of this paper. The paper also presents the original finding that the growth in WBL opportunities has led to an increasing need for new hires and could lead to the development of new industry in Tennessee. This paper provides an original and comprehensive examination of the economic boom in Tennessee and the impact of WBL opportunities on the development of local workforce and industry.