Assisting the growth and development of our future workforce is critical to the success of Tennessee's thriving economy, and it requires the collective effort of educators, counselors, contractors and industry partners. The path towards a fulfilling skilled trades career in the modern economy can be challenging, and students need guidance and support from all corners of society. By working together, we can equip the next generation of tradespeople with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workforce of tomorrow.
With your help, we can raise awareness about opportunities in the trades and advocate for the next generation of students and career changers to take the next step toward a brighter future.
The demand for construction workers has never been greater, with millions needed across the country. In Tennessee alone, the latest estimates show that there is a shortage of over 315,000 workers across all trades. This presents a tremendous opportunity for those seeking a fulfilling and rewarding career in the construction industry. However, the success of the Go Build Tennessee campaign depends on the active participation and support of educators, contractors, and industry partners. By working together, we can help address the shortage of skilled workers and pave the way for a bright future for the construction industry in Tennessee.
Whether you are a seasoned industry veteran or a school guidance counselor seeking student resources, we invite you to join us in this important mission. Together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Tennessee.
Skilled Tradesmen
Needed Through 2026
Average Starting
Salary after an apprenticeship
of Skilled Tradesmen
are Estimated to Retire
in the Next 15 Years
Debt Compared
to a Traditional
Four Year Education
require less than a
four-year degree
Tennessee is widely recognized as one of the most business-friendly states in the nation, offering a great quality of life for residents and attracting many new arrivals each year. However, the state’s construction industry is still facing a shortage of skilled workers, and businesses should do their part to recruit students from high schools, community colleges, and trade schools.
Tennessee’s Governor and General Assembly are committed to vocational education, with more students than ever being exposed to CTE courses and career clusters. The state is also dedicating more funding to CTE programs, especially those focused on high-wage, high-demand jobs. Programs such as Tennessee Achieves, Tennessee Promise, Drive to 55, Reconnect, and Complete are all designed to provide students with a high-quality education and training opportunities.
With these initiatives, the state’s middle and high schools are poised to expand their CTE offerings and provide even more training opportunities for Tennessee’s students.
As the demand for skilled workers in this industry continues to grow in TN, your involvement plays a crucial role in helping students explore the many exciting and rewarding career paths available to them. Whether you’re an educator, contractor or community leader, we need your advocacy and involvement so students gain exposure to the diverse opportunities available in construction. For additional information and resources to help you guide students toward a career in construction, visit any of the links below.
With more than 315,000 skilled workers needed in TN, there's never been a better time to skill up for a career in the trades — and it's never too late to start.
