Hardeman County is committed to preparing a ready workforce and creating programs to develop and retain skilled workers. To train the future generation and continue the education of the current workforce, Hardeman County has formed partnerships with several educational institutions within the county and within a 30-minute drive of the county seat. Lone Oaks Farm, which is owned and operated by The University of Tennessee, provides a unique STEM education experience for Hardeman County K-12 students. Programs cover a variety of STEM principles, such as robotics, physics, and aeronautics, and are taught through the lens of agriculture. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology campuses in Jackson and Whiteville work with local industries to prepare students for jobs. ThyssenKrupp Elevators offers an apprenticeship program for TCAT welders and provides in-house training to continually educate its employees.
The Southwest Tennessee Reconnect Community was recently launched to link Hardeman County residents with the next step in education. Nearby Jackson State Community College will offer tuition assistance to qualifying adults. Tennessee is leading the way in education reform by increasing the number of Tennesseans with college degrees or certifications through Tennessee Promise and TN Reconnect. As the only state in the country with these initiatives, Tennessee’s higher education initiatives ensure employers have the support of highly skilled workers.
