Secretary of State Tre Hargett Announces a New Library-Based Workforce Development Program

August 28, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced the launch of a new initiative in which local libraries will help entry-level job seekers acquire foundational work skills and then land interviews with major employers.

The program, which is free to both job seekers and businesses, is the Library-based Employment, Growth and Upskilling Program, or LEGUP, was created by the Tennessee State Library & Archives. It is being piloted with the 18 public libraries in the Hatchie River Region in West Tennessee, with the possibility of expanding to other parts of the state over time.

“Every year, thousands of Tennessee residents go into their local library looking for job help,” said Secretary Hargett. “Our workforce program is designed to help get job seekers onto a solid career path. At the same time, it aims to help employers find entry-level workers who possess strong foundational skills and will be ready to contribute to their company right away. We are grateful to the area legislators for supporting this initiative.”

Under the program, participants can earn a State Library-backed microcredential by completing 16 hours of online training in foundational job-readiness skills (time management, problem-solving, teamwork, etc.) with an introduction to one of three major industries (manufacturing, warehousing, or healthcare). Employers joining ‘LEGUP’ have agreed, when there are available entry-level openings, to guarantee interviews to those who have completed the training. Whether a company wants to then hire that individual is entirely up to them.

So far, more than a dozen employers have signed on as partners in this innovative initiative, including ABB, AutoZone, Charms-Tootsie Roll, Chemring Countermeasures USA, DeWayne's Quality Metal Coatings, Henderson Stamping & Production, Jones Exhaust Systems, MAT Holdings, Tyson Foods, Unilever, United States Cold Storage, West Tennessee Healthcare, and Wise Co.

“Our slogan for LEGUP is, ‘16 hours that can change your life,’” said State Librarian and Archivist Jamie Ritter. “This is a great way for someone who has had trouble finding a job to show an employer that they have committed to 16 hours of upskilling to polish their skills, demonstrate a willingness to learn, and are determined to succeed.”

The Tennessee State Library & Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State.

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