Thanks to a program announced Tuesday by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Tennessee employers can now 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.
Launched nationally last year, GEDWorks helps adult learners attain their GED credentials with the support of their employers. Just as importantly, it gives these employees momentum to pursue advanced education and training, said officials. 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 – a successful model used by the TN Promise Mentors program at state community colleges.
“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.
“Our members know that having a properly educated, well-trained workforce is key to their own success, just as it helps us recruit new employers. We are encouraging members to take advantage of TN Chamber/GEDWorks as part of our goal to help more adults earn high school credentialing.”
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.
"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," said Randy Trask, president of GED Testing Service. “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. In addition, the program provides graduates with resources and motivation to continue their education by connecting them with college and career pathway tools on GED.com, as well as postsecondary programs and scholarships offered by their employers.
Key Facts and Data About GEDWorks
Two of the top 10 companies listed on the Forbes Fortune 500 rankings for largest corporations participate in the GEDWorks program: #1 Walmart and #8 Yum Brands (Taco Bell and KFC).
Southeastern Grocers has enlisted in the program as well – ranked by Forbes as the 26th largest private employer in the U.S.
GED Testing Service expects to announce up to four more major employers by the end of year.
More than 2,000 employees are currently enrolled in and working at various stages of the program, which typically requires 4-6 months to complete.
To date, more than 425 employees have successfully earned their GED credential through the program.