Greater Memphis Workforce Development

With world-class employers, thousands of small- and mid-size local businesses, and an abundant young labor force, anything is possible when it comes to building, scaling, or upskilling your workforce in Greater Memphis.

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Creating a Greater Workforce with Greater Opportunities

We work alongside new and existing businesses to build a future ready workforce that allows their business to grow and thrive in the Memphis region.

Our people are our greatest asset. We support the creation of a workforce ecosystem that provides training and development opportunities for every stage of the talent pipeline.

It starts with education – as early as Pre-K – and continues through to individual career and skills training and hands-on employer support. We partner with all of our education and training providers to ensure businesses’ needs are met. You don’t have to do it alone- we are here to support you.

Workforce needs continually evolve, and we are dedicated to helping our members and our regional economy stay strong and future-ready.

Workforce and Talent Fast Facts

We are proud to support a vibrant and growing Greater Memphis workforce. We are a mecca for STEM talent and training programs.

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Education

There are 30 colleges, universities, and technical training institutes in Greater Memphis and more than 100 additional post-secondary institutions within a 180-mile radius.

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Education

Local institutions include a nationally ranked/recognized law school, medical school, optometry school, pharmacy school, nursing college, dental school, engineering schools, as well as a Carnegie R1 designated university within a 5 mile radius of Downtown Memphis.

College Campus University of Memphis Aerial View

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STEM Talent

Within this region we produce over 1,400 engineers and production technicians a year, over 500 computer scientists, and nearly 5,000 health professionals per year.

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Labor Force

The Greater Memphis population includes 11% Gen-Z (19-24) and 43% Millennial (25-44), with 63% being Prime Age for employment (25-55).

What We Do

For Memphis Chamber members, we are a one stop shop for your workforce needs. Our workforce team has decades of experience in education, talent development, systems change, strategic planning, and more.

We offer virtual office hours with our team to support a wide array of workforce development topics.

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As workforce needs evolve, the Greater Memphis Chamber is committed to supporting new and existing businesses in the following ways. We work directly with Memphis Chamber Members to:

Untapped Populations

Discuss the opportunities and the value of hiring untapped labor pool talent.

Federal Bonding/Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Our experts will walk you through the process of leveraging hiring incentives, Federal Bonding, and WOTC to build a diverse and inclusive workplace at no cost.

Labor Forecasts by Industry Cluster Reports (GMERG Reports)

Benefit from in depth research and rich reports by GMERG. Download this report today.

Workforce Asset Map

The Greater Memphis Region is home to robust education, nonprofit, and faith-based partners that engage in the region’s upskill efforts. Explore our partner organizations. Use the dashboard filters and service buttons to locate specific organizations on the map. Hover over points on the map for additional details. Employers wanting an introductory conversation to any of these local partners can contact the workforce team at workforce@memphischamber.com.

We ultimately drive innovation in workforce development programs among employers and training providers. We’re the team that gets people in the room to build the workforce solution you need.

Additional Support

The Chamber offers additional forms of employer resources, from concierge service delivery by our team of experts to research services and tax incentive information.

Learn More

Workforce Asset Map

Get connected to partner organizations and the services they deliver.

Explore Today

Career Development

Memphis Teacher Externship Program

For generations, students have asked: “Why do we need to learn this?” Greater Memphis teachers who are part of the Teacher Externship Program have the right answer: There is a market need! The Chamber’s two-week summer externship program helps regional employers keep a healthy talent pipeline by bringing high school teachers inside the workplace and demonstrating the knowledge and skills needed to power innovation and competitiveness. Our teachers serve as a bridge between local students and future employment opportunities.

Career Development

Memphis Teacher Externship Program

Apply for a 2025 Teacher Externship

The Greater Memphis Chamber is now accepting registrations from businesses and teachers for the 2025 Teacher Externship Program! This summer initiative bridges the gap between education and industry by providing high school teachers with a two-week, hands-on experience at a host company. Participating teachers receive a stipend, and they gain invaluable insight into industries connected to the subjects they teach, equipping them to better prepare students for the workforce.

For Businesses:
Hosting an extern is an easy, impactful, and rewarding experience. The Chamber provides dedicated Technical Assistance to help businesses design an engaging, meaningful externship experience that aligns with their goals. From support crafting a structured externship schedule to templates and examples to proactive communications and guidance, we help ensure the experience is turn-key and stress-free for both your team and the teacher.

Ready to get started? Fill out the Chamber’s Business Interest Form.

For Teachers:
Expand your classroom insights with real-world industry experience! If you’re interested in applying for the program, complete the Teacher Externship Application today!

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Externships

Transnetyx

Christine Essary, Strategic Development Manager

“The teachers can be the workforce advocates and the networkers for us.”

Teacher Externship: Transnetyx

Follow Morgan Wiley, an Honors Biology teacher, as she expands her knowledge of careers in STEM to help her students discover exciting new career paths.

Why Memphis Businesses Love the Teacher Externship Program

Memphis Teacher Externships: Regional One Health

National Manufacturing Month

Every October is National Manufacturing Month, and the Greater Memphis Chamber celebrates with a series of events highlighting local manufacturers and their opportunities. Over the month, the Chamber organizes tours of manufacturing facilities for local students, tours of schools for manufacturing representatives, meetings between teachers and manufacturers, and highlights the industry in media interviews and in social media posts.

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Employers

Want the Latest Information About Jobs in Our Region?

Browse through the Greater Memphis Economic Research Group’s most recent report on jobs in our region.

Customize Training for Your Workforce

We work with stakeholders across our tri-state region to build customized training our region’s employers need for their workforce. Our workforce team is ready to support you. Contact Sondra Howell or call 901-543-3500 today.