URGENT UPDATE: tnAchieves is currently celebrating its fall Job Shadow Days, an event that is making a significant impact on students across Tennessee. With 15 job shadowing events scheduled throughout November, the organization has opened doors for nearly 250 students to explore career opportunities right in their communities.
These immersive experiences provide students with valuable insights into various professions, helping them navigate the critical transition from college to the workforce. The community partners involved in this initiative are instrumental, with 84.7 percent of tnAchieves graduates choosing to live and work in Tennessee post-graduation.
“tnAchieves relies on support from community partners to open doors and enhance connections in each of the 74 counties we serve,” said Tyler Ford, Vice President of Workforce. He emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating, “These businesses are raising their hands to say they believe in meeting and supporting the workforce of tomorrow…today.”
The impact of these job shadowing events is profound. Following their experiences, 80 percent of students reported gaining career clarity, while 84 percent felt more equipped with the skills necessary for workforce success. Remarkably, 99 percent of participants left with at least one networking contact for future opportunities.
To date, tnAchieves students have accumulated over 971,000 hours of job shadowing, contributing toward their Tennessee Promise community service requirements. This fall’s events included participation from notable businesses such as Arconic, Dollywood, and Pfizer, all of which opened their doors to eager students.
tnAchieves organizes Job Shadow Days each spring and fall, and with each iteration, more students register to explore diverse career paths and connect with leading local employers.
If your business is interested in hosting a future job shadow day, you can contact Tyler Ford at [email protected] or call (309) 945-3446. For media inquiries, reach out to Rebecca Franklin at [email protected] or call (865) 748-7767.
As tnAchieves continues its mission of building Tennessee’s workforce, the support from community businesses remains crucial. These job shadowing experiences not only enhance students’ understanding of the job market but also foster essential connections that can shape their futures.
