Tennessee Chamber Launches Program To Help Workers Earn GED

NASHVILLE, TN — A new program from the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry will help employers make it easier for their employees to pursue their education.

The new Tennessee Chamber/GEDWorks program aims to create a better-educated and prepared Tennessee workforce as part of the Chamber’s Workforce Development Initiative. More than 300,000 Tennesseans who did not complete their high school education are currently in the work force.

Launched nationally last year, GEDWorks helps adult learners earn their GED with the support of their employers. The Tennessee Chamber is partnering with GED Testing Services to offer employers access to the program.

The 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 also connects each participant with a GED Adviser specially trained to guide, engage and motivate students similar to the model used by the TN Promise Mentors program at state community colleges.

“An educated work force 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.

The Tennessee-tailored initiative is the first state-level, business-endorsed promotion of the GEDWorks program, which already serves some of the nation's largest employers 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 work force," 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 recent changes to the GED program establishing a pathway for post-secondary education. The newly redesigned GED credential includes a college ready score indicator endorsed by the American Council on Education, which allows colleges to place qualifying students in college-level courses, ultimately 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 post-secondary programs and scholarships offered by their employers.

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