NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry is enabling Tennessee employers to make it easier for workers to pursue their education. The new TN Chamber/GEDWorks program aims to create a better-educated and prepared Tennessee workforce as part of the Chamber’s Workforce Development Initiative.
Data shows that more than 300,000 Tennesseans who did not complete their high school education are currently in the workforce.
GEDWorks helps adult learners attain their General Educational Development (also known as General Education Diploma) credentials with the support of their employers. The Tennessee Chamber is partnering with GED Testing Services to offer employers access to the program.
The TN Chamber/GEDWorks program includes everything an employee needs to prepare for and pass the GED. Participants are provided access to all the traditional benefits of the GED program, as well as online study material, connections to local adult education programs and practice tests. The new program connects each participant with a GED Advisor specially trained to guide, engage, and motivate students.
“An educated workforce is a top priority for the Tennessee Chamber and critical for us to address in order to continue to attract business to Tennessee,” said Bradley Jackson, President and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber. “High school credentialing is the most basic building block of a sound education, and that is why we are so excited about bringing GEDWorks to Tennessee.”
The Tennessee-tailored initiative represents the first state-level, business-endorsed promotion of the GEDWorks program, which currently serves some of the nation’s largest employers and most recognizable brands—including Walmart, KFC, Taco Bell and Southeastern Grocers.
Randy Trask, President of GED Testing Service, said, “Employers are attracted to GEDWorks because, unlike other employment-related costs, each dollar invested in an employee’s education increases the competitiveness and value of their workforce. Employers embrace GEDWorks because it enables employees to improve their career prospects, increase their earning potential, and hopefully find inspiration to continue their education and training.”
The Tennessee Chamber was particularly attracted by the recent transformation of the GED program establishing a pathway for postsecondary education. The newly redesigned GED credential now includes a college ready score indicator endorsed by the American Council on Education, which allows colleges to place qualifying students in college-level courses—saving students time and money.
Learn more about the GEDWorks program at gedtestingservice.com/educators/gedworks-media-kit.
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry is one of Tennessee’s oldest and most prominent business trade associations. For more information, visit tnchamber.org.
