A Workforce Ready to Work
Skilled. Supportive. Future-Focused.
In Haywood County, workforce development isn’t an afterthought. It’s the cornerstone of our community’s economic growth. We understand what businesses need: reliable, trainable workers who can keep up with the demands of modern industry.
That’s why BHEDC works closely with educators, employers, and regional leaders to strengthen the workforce pipeline in West Tennessee.
Within a 45-minute drive time of Haywood County, you’ll find…
Population of 539,953
260,553 in the Labor Force
Over 17,000 Degrees & Certificates, Awarded Annually
Average Annual Salary of $55,937
Talent That’s Trained for Industry
Whether you’re hiring 1 or 1,000, we help connect you with the talent you need.
Our labor force is diverse, capable, and prepared to support a wide range of industries, from advanced manufacturing to agriculture and food processing. Haywood County offers:
A skilled labor pool with experience in logistics, production, and operations
Access to regional technical colleges and workforce training programs
Growing participation in Tennessee apprenticeship programs for industry
Customized job training supported by FastTrack and other state initiatives
Workforce Development Resources
Through partnerships with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, local schools, and the private sector, Haywood County offers:
- Workforce development grants
- On-the-job training programs
- High school and college career pipelines
- Support for certifications and continuing education
We’re not just building jobs. We’re building careers.
Supporting Families & New Residents
Bringing in new employees? We provide relocation support for workers and families, including information on:
- Housing options and real estate
- Local schools and childcare
- Community services and transportation
Our team ensures a smooth transition for both companies and their team members.
Building for the Future
With investments in education, infrastructure, and workforce innovation, Haywood County is preparing today’s students and tomorrow’s professionals to meet the needs of Tennessee’s growing industries.
Let us help you tap into the people who will power your success. Contact us to learn more about workforce development in Haywood County.
Higher Education
We invest in success.
Our region is home to more than 20 vocational and higher education institutions that serve both traditional and non-traditional students in identifying and placing them in rewarding career paths. Our community offers your business the opportunity to tap into the talent pool essential for both present and future needs.
10 TENNESSEE COLLEGES OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY (TCATs)
TCATs are institutions within the Tennessee Board of Regents system that offer technical and vocational education.
Focus is placed on providing hands-on training and practical skills that are directly applicable to the workforce.
Within the region, 1,800+ TCAT awards and certificates are awarded annually.
3 COMMUNITY COLLEGES
2,600+ degrees and certificates are awarded annually from the region’s three community colleges.
In 2023, Dyersburg State Community College grew faster than any other community college in the state.
Southwest Tennessee Community College boasts a 98.5% job placement rate.
Career in a Year – Jackson State offers 25+ programs where students can get the training they need to obtain a career-ready credential in 12 months.
10 4-YEAR UNIVERSITIES
10,400+ degrees and certificates are awarded annually from the region’s public and private universities.
A plethora of programs available related to target occupations including manufacturing, engineering, logistics, computer science and more.
2 HBCUs in the region – Lane College and LeMoyne-Owen College
Workforce Training Programs
You want talent that is ready to work.
The leadership of Haywood County partners with the State of Tennessee to ensure students recognize there are more careers beyond those that require a four-year degree. Our region is a certified ACT Work Ready Community, and we are leveraging the National Career Readiness Certificate to measure and close the skills gap to support our employees and employers.
High School
Capstone
This ground-breaking course for area high school students aims to improve student understand and awareness of highly desirable soft skills including professionalism, communication and networking.
Pathways to Prosperity
Pathways to Prosperity is a national initiative to reform Career and Technical Education to increase the number of students who complete high school and obtain post-secondary certifications relevant to today’s job market.
Certified Production Technician (CPT)
This high school dual enrollment program through Dyersburg State Community College allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit before they graduate and creates awareness of career opportunities within the manufacturing industry.
Advanced Integrated Industrial Technology
The AIIT Associate of Applied Science Degree program has been developed to enable high school students to earn credit for their associate degree during high school and prepare them to enter the workforce highly skilled in advanced manufacturing.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program
Haywood High School’s goal is to provide training and career preparedness for students to tackle the world that is around them. Their new programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Marketing, Networking, and Nursing, prepare students for career choices that are available now and in the near future.
K12 – Postsecondary Education
LEAP
LEAP is a statewide, comprehensive structure enabling students in technology centers and community colleges to participate in technical training developed with input from area employers.
Leader in Me
The Leader in Me is a whole-school transformation model that acts like the operating system of a computer-it improves the performance of all other programs.
Drive to 55 Initiatives
The Drive to 55 mission is to ensure 55% of Tennesseans are equipped with a college degree or certificate by the year 2025. Members of the initiative are an active and rapidly growing alliance of private sector partners, community and nonprofit leaders working collectively.
TN Promise
Tennessee Promise is a Drive to 55 initiative with both a scholarship and mentoring program focused on increasing the number of students that attend college in our state.
TN Reconnect
Tennessee Reconnect is a Drive to 55 initiative that helps adults return to a college campus to complete their postsecondary education.