Commissioners Discuss New Workforce Development in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – There are literally hundreds of new jobs being created in Hamilton county every year.

A hundred more will come with a new industry at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport this year. But, is the county work force up to the challenge of more industry?

Commissioners next week will vote on whether to apply for a 200-dollar workforce development grant in connection with the latest company to move to Chattanooga–West Star Industries that will be located at the airport.

But the problems recruiting workers still linger in southeast Tennessee. That led to a discussion with Charles Woods, the Economic development Vice President for the Chamber of Commerce.

Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce’s Charles Wood states, “I would tell you though, that we have private companies that are getting anxious about the level of competition for their workers. That’s something that we’re very mindful of. I have companies that are asking why are you recruiting new companies.uh, when we’re already you know trying to fill the jobs that we have.”

Mayor Jim Coppinger says the local workforce is improving thanks to programs offered at Chatt State and other schools.

“Many of us have seen it printed over and over–there’s 15-thousand jobs and we’re falling short in the workforce.. And that’s really just not true,” said Mayor Jim Coppinger.

Wood says people ask why he continues to recruit new industries..wheh the unemployment rate hovers around 3% in the county.

Charles Wood says, “My answer is pretty simple…right..20 years ago Combustion engineering had 10-thousand people people working in downtown..today they have zero. So, we have to keep the job pipeline full.. Because we don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Coppinger says 14-thousand new jobs were created during his tenure..but he admits..there are problems with the workforce.

He adds, “Sometimes we have a hard time ..Because of…uh…well, I’ll just say it. I mean..our problem is no different than the rest of this country—and I’m going to tell you..it’s got to a point that if you can’t pass a drug test you’re probably not going to get a job.”