Chattanooga Works is built for outcomes.
We've developed a demand-driven, outcomes-based workforce framework. We need your help in supporting job seekers and employers.
It's time for something new.
We're serving Chattanooga job seekers and employers by matching them with each other, and with service providers who can help support them through training, work-readiness, job placement and more. Instead of one organization going at it alone, we're stronger when we work together as a community.
Old model
- ✗Funding distributed by RFPs with no connection to employer demand
- ✗Training programs competing for the same participants
- ✗No accountability for job placement outcomes
- ✗Duplication of services across organizations
- ✗Employers disconnected from the pipeline
Our model
- ✓Funding activated by real employer demand ("job-backwards")
- ✓Training assigned by committee based on capacity and performance
- ✓Outcomes measured: placement, retention, wages
- ✓Six defined, organizational capacities with clear roles
- ✓Employers at the center of the system
Service Capacities
Our system will fund essential services for workforce development by partnering with organizations that already exist in our community.
Organizations that provide occupational skills training directly tied to employer demand.
Organizations that remove barriers to employment: childcare, transportation, housing stability, mental health, substance use support.
Organizations that provide up-skilling for the already-employed.
Organizations that help employees develop soft skills, digital literacy, and understanding workplace norms.
Organizations that can help with direct job placement.
Organizations that support job shadowing, career fairs, and mentorships.
How Funding Works
Funds are held in the Industrial Development Board—not distributed through traditional RFPs. A workforce committee assigns funding based on real employer demand signals.
When an employer says "I need 20 welders," the committee activates the skills training capacity. The training provider gets funded. The support services capacity wraps around participants. Outcomes are tracked. If a provider doesn't perform, funding gets redirected.
This is not a grant program - it's a performance contract.
Get Involved
Interested in providing services as part of One Chattanooga Works? Tell us about your organization.