Earn a Degree While You Work in Tennessee

Flexible, job-embedded college programs built for working learners and aligned with Tennessee employers and workforce needs.

A College of Nursing student performs a child checkup while working at the Vine School Health Center on May 13, 2021. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee.

Work-Based Learning and College Degree Pathways in Tennessee

Work to Learn Tennessee (W2LTN) is a workforce development program from the University of Tennessee System. It connects employers with flexible, affordable college degree pathways designed for working learners. Through job-embedded learning, employees can earn credentials while staying on the job — helping businesses grow talent and Tennesseans build better careers.

Why Workforce Development in Tennessee Matters

Tennessee has a growing skills gap. Industries like healthcare, education and manufacturing alone will need over 143,000 new workers by 2032, but many Tennesseans lack the credentials to fill those roles. Work to Learn Tennessee helps close that gap by creating clear, supported pathways from employment to in-demand careers — all while learners stay in their jobs.

Students from the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine at the clinic in Chattanooga, Tenn.

What Makes Our Job-Embedded College Pathways Work?

  • Designed for working learners

    Flexible coursework aligned with paid, job-embedded roles.

  • Built-in Mentorship

    Learners receive guidance from both UT faculty and workplace mentors.

  • High-impact outcomes

    Every degree or credential is aligned with in-demand jobs in Tennessee.

The Vision: Workforce Pathways in All 95 Tennessee Counties

Our goal is to build job-embedded college pathways in all 95 Tennessee counties by 2032. If just 12% of new jobs were converted into Work to Learn pathways, over 15,900 Tennesseans could earn a credential while working — boosting economic mobility across the state.

State Map Element

Who is Work to Learn Tennessee for?

This initiative is built for:

  • Employers

    Looking to develop, upskill, and retain their workforce.

  • Adult Learners and Recent Graduates

    Balancing work, caregiving responsibilities, or financial barriers.

  • Higher Education and Community Partners

    Co-designing workforce pathways that meet real-world needs.

  • Public Leaders

    Focused on driving workforce development and economic mobility.

Tennessee Workforce Demand: Fast Fast Facts

  • 143,100

    New jobs expected in education, healthcare and manufacturing in Tennessee by 2032.

  • 15,900

    Tennesseans who could earn a credential on the job if just 12% of projected new roles become Work to Learn pathways.

  • 95

    Tennessee counties UT aims to serve with job-embedded college pathways by 2032.

Employers, Students and Partners — Start Here to Learn More

Whether you’re an employer, prospective learner, educator, funder or community leader, we want to connect. Join the Work to Learn Tennessee initiative and help expand affordable, job-connected education across the state.