Tennessee Talent | Incumbent Worker Training

As part of TN Works' broader Talent Accelerator program, Tennessee-based employers can now tap into $5 million in workforce funding, through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund to expand employer-driven workforce training programs.

This funding, part of a national $86 million initiative, will support training in sectors critical to Tennessee’s economic future: nuclear energy, AI infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

Employers can apply to offset the cost of incumbent worker training in these high-demand fields, for both new hires and incumbent workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this grant support employers?

TN Talent can cover up to 80% of eligible training costs, helping employers invest in their workforce with significantly reduced financial risk.

The program is designed to support both:

Immediate skill gaps, such as upskilling employees to meet current demands driven by automation or new technologies
Future workforce needs, including reskilling employees into roles that will remain critical as AI and other innovations reshape jobs

The grant focuses on employer-led training for specialized, high-demand roles that are often difficult to fill locally.

Guild brings deep expertise in incumbent worker training and can support employers in:

Identifying high-impact roles and skill gaps
Designing effective training strategies
Selecting or refining training programs and providers aligned to long-term workforce needs
Providing a streamlined experience for reimbursement and reporting

Which employers can apply?

Eligible employers must operate in one of the grant’s focus industries: nuclear energy, AI infrastructure / skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing. Employers may be based in Tennessee or have employees working in the state. For employers operating in multiple states, eligibility is limited to training for employees who reside in Tennessee.

What will employers need to do?

Employers must identify relevant employees for training and must pay for the training up front, as reimbursement only occurs after program completion and retention. Employers must submit the necessary data and proof to meet the requirements of the Department of Labor funding, to be shared in detail during the employer onboarding process. Employers must sign a lightweight legal agreement with Guild which covers the data sharing and payment terms required by the grant. They will need to set up financial onboarding to receive direct deposits. Training must commence after the employer onboards to the program and be completed by December 2028.

What documentation do employers need to apply?

To apply, employers will need:

Organization Legal Name
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
W9
Finance contact information
Legal contact information
Company website
Company NAICS code
Attestation of Good Standing with the state
Company address

How much is covered?

Once trainings are pre-approved, participating employers cover the upfront cost of employee training and are reimbursed up to 80% of tuition through the TN Works fund, based on learner outcomes:

40% reimbursement after training completion
An additional 40% after the learner remains employed for 6 months post-completion

How will employers be prioritized?

All employers must meet baseline eligibility requirements related to industry, location, and workforce participation.

Because the program will roll out in phases, eligible employers may be sequenced to support a timely and high-impact launch. Prioritization may consider factors such as:

Readiness to launch training, including defined goals and identified participants
Potential workforce impact, including the number of employees trained
Alignment with broader workforce needs and shared skill priorities across employers
Timing of interest and engagement during the intake process

This phased approach allows TN Talent to launch efficiently, respond to employer demand, and scale participation over time while ensuring equitable access across the state.

What employees are eligible to receive training?

To be eligible for training, employees must:

Be I-9 employees at a participating employer
Work in Tennessee
Age 17 or older
Not currently enrolled in secondary school

Following the approval of an employer’s eligibility for the program, they will submit eligible employees and training programs for approval.

What types of trainings are eligible?

TN Talent is designed to be flexible. Employers may use the training approach that best meets their workforce needs. Guild will work with employers to validate that the desired training is eligible for reimbursement before the programs commence, according to the DOL guidelines. Maximum reimbursement per employer is $250,000.

Eligible training can be delivered through Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technologies, community colleges, online or asynchronous providers, or other approved training partners. Training is not required to be offered through the ETPL and does not need to result in a formal license or credential, but does need to drive meaningful value for both the business and the employee. Training can include work-based learning or Related Technical Instruction (RTI) components of Registered Apprenticeships (RAPs). Training should be less than two years in length to be eligible to receive all reimbursements.

Training must directly support:

Improved performance in a current or future role
Advancement into a more senior position
Reskilling into a high-demand, hard-to-fill role aligned to the grant’s focus industries

I’m not sure if I qualify. How can I learn more?

If you're uncertain, we still encourage you to submit the form. Our team will follow up to determine alignment and eligibility.

How can I learn more about this federal grant?

This grant is part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund, a national $86 million initiative to support employer-led training across the country. Tennessee’s award will strengthen domestic production and address workforce gaps in high-demand sectors. Additional information can be found here.

How can higher education partners or training providers get involved?

If you work with employers, you’re encouraged to share this opportunity with them to help offset training costs.

How is this different from other incumbent worker training programs in the state?

This program serves as a supplement to existing federally funded IWT across the state where you often have to work through regional workforce boards. This program is centrally managed, making it easier for companies to apply and provides visibility on your eligibility and funding availability. Your TN Works representative can help you navigate which one is the right fit for you.

What other programs like this exist in the state?

Your TN Works representative can help you navigate available opportunities aligned to your goal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Employer Eligibility

Training Program Eligibility

Learner Eligibility