WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
Workforce Statistics
Labor Force: 25,199
Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
Predicted Job Growth over the next 10 Years: 39.1%
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
Manufacturing: 15.61%
Retail Trade: 13%
Healthcare & Social Services: 10.19%
Hospitality and Food Service: 10.19%
Education: 7.93%
Other: 43.08%
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
Manufacturing
Retail Trade
Healthcare & Social Services
Hospitality & Food Service
Education
Other
ESTABLISHMENTS BY INDUSTRY
Service & Public Administration
Retail Trade
Hospitality & Food Service
Healthcare & Social Services
Construction
Professional & Technological
Real Estate
Wholesale Trade
Other
MAJOR INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEERS
Old Dominion Freight Lines
Bush Brothers & Company
Nyrstar-TN Mines Co.
American Book Company
Oshkosh Manufacturing
Ball Metalpack
Matsuo Industries
TRU Homes
Overman USA, Inc.
Masonite International Corp
Employment Resources
Looking for a job in Jefferson County? There are tons of great opportunities.
Apprenticeships
The Apprenticeship TN program is an asset for participating businesses as well. Apprenticeships attract new talent and establish a pipeline of well-trained skilled workers. Learn more about sponsoring, joining, or starting a new apprenticeship program.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Preparing for Tomorrow, Today
In Jefferson County, we believe that the greatest asset of any business or community is its people. That’s why we are invested in the development of future talent and career advancement through excellence in all educational avenues.
Higher Education
Carson-Newman University
Carson-Newman is a liberal arts college built on Christian principles. Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman has a long history of academic excellence and continues to receive national accolades and recognition as one of the top colleges in Tennessee. CNU offers an array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees programs, small class sizes, on-line and in-person programs.
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology serves as the premier supplier of workforce development throughout the State of Tennessee with 27 locations across the state. Jefferson County works closely with TCAT Morristown and supports nearby TCAT Knoxville. TCAT programs include automotive technology, computer information, machine tool technology, welding, diesel power equipment technology, and more.
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville
Founded in 1794, UT is big on tradition and proud of humble beginnings as the first public university chartered west of the Appalachian Divide. The University of Tennessee is a public research institution that embodies excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement.
Walters State Community College
Walters State is a learning centered, comprehensive community college established in 1970 to provide affordable and quality higher education opportunities for the residents of East Tennessee. WSCC was named Community College of the Year by the Tennessee Board of Regents in both 2022 and 2023. They offer an extensive catalog of Associate Degree and Technical Certificate programs.
Higher Education Resources
Tennessee Promise and TN Achieves are valuable resources in Jefferson County and across the state. These programs provide young Tennesseans with guidance and financial support to achieve their higher education goals. The TN Promise is a scholarship that provides high school graduates with the opportunity to attend community or technical college for FREE. TN Achieves collaborates with the TN Promise to encourage high schoolers to pursue higher education. Mentors and advisors from TN Achieves serve nearly 90% of high school seniors in TN, helping them develop educational and career plans, guiding them through the TN Promise application process, and so much more.
Jefferson County Schools
The Jefferson County School System is committed to preparing the youth of Jefferson County for higher education opportunities and promising professional futures. 11 public schools and 1 private institution serve 7,500 students with a 16:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 95% graduation rate, higher than the state and national average.
8 Elementary Schools
2 Middle Schools
2 High Schools
Lakeway Christian Academy
There is also a private school located within Jefferson County–Lakeway Christian Academy. Located on a 44+ acre campus in White Pine, TN, Lakeway provides over 600 middle and high school students with a quality, faith-centered education. In addition to a strong academic curriculum that offers over 100 courses, LCA has an impressive list of extra-curriculars including 16 athletic teams, band, chorus, theatre, visual arts, robotics, and debate team.