Obion County, TN, is committed to fostering a skilled and dynamic workforce that meets the needs of local industries and businesses. With access to top-tier education, training programs, and strategic partnerships, Union City and the surrounding communities provide a strong foundation for economic growth and job creation. Discover how Obion County is building a workforce prepared for the future.

Download Workforce Data 2024 PDF file

Download Workforce Data 2023 PDF file

Labor Force Estimates

Labor Force Estimates - United States & Tennessee - December 2024
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Regional Economic Overview

45 minute drive time of Union City, TN - Q4 2024
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Obion County, TN - Q4 2024
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Obion County Workforce Data 2023

Obion County, TN Regional Labor Draw

  • Obion County, TN
  • Dyer County, TN
  • Gibson County, TN
  • Lake County, TN
  • Weakley County, TN
  • Fulton County, KY
  • Graves County, KY
  • Hickman County, KY

Regional Employment (2020)

Regional Population 203,426 Estimated Population 25-64 99,428 Percentage of Total Population 48.93% Obion County Population 30,183 Estimated Population 25-64 14,631 Percentage of Total Population 47.19% Regional Labor Force 86,922 Employed 84,000 Unemployed 2,922 Unemployment Rate 3.48% Obion County Labor Force 12,328 Employed 11,810 Unemployed 431 Unemployment Rate 3.5%

Community Profile

County Profile Tool
Use the map to select Obion County to view the full community profile.

Go to the TNECD County Profiles Tool

Training Resources and Initiatives

Obion County School System Academic Opportunities:

  • AP Class, Dual Enrollment, Dual Credit Career Technical Education/Industry Certification
  • Agriculture, Health Science, Family & Consumer Science, Business & Marketing, Advanced Manufacturing/Welding, Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair, Criminal Justice, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Education and Training, Mechatronics (Fall 2019), Residential & Commercial Construction, STEM, STEM Aviation Partnerships
  • University of Tennessee at Martin, Bethel University, Dyersburg State Community College, Jackson State Community College, Middle Tennessee State University, TCAT (Tennessee College of Applied Technology)

Download Obion County School System (pdf format)

Download Map of Post-secondary Education Centers within 30 miles of Obion County (pdf format)

OC Central High School - Food Science Program (pdf format)

OC Central High School - Aviation Program (pdf format)

OC Central High School - Mechatronics Program (pdf format)

Programs offered at the TCAT Union City Campus

Click here to view offered programs. 

Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics

Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics TCAT Union City TNTrainees learn the fundamentals of electricity and electronics which provide the foundation for advanced training in electric motor controls, automated machine control circuits, conveyors, pumps, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, test equipment, production equipment (electrical, electronic, and mechanical), programmable controllers, automation and robotics. In the last phase of the course, students combine all their newly acquired skills in overall systemic troubleshooting and interfacing systems. Hands-on training and safety is stressed throughout the course.

Click here for more information.

Industrial Maintenance Mechatronics Flyer

Welding Technology

tcat union city weldingOur Welding Technology Program is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to acquire the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required for employment as a combination welder. We accomplish this task through classroom instruction and practical welding exercises carried out in an industrial shop setting. Welding Processes such as Flux Cored Arc, Gas Metal Arc, Gas Tungsten Arc and Shielded Metal Arc are covered in depth.

Click here for more information.

Welding Technology Flyer

Practical Nursing

tcat union city practical nursingTCAT-Newbern offers three (3) Practical Nursing programs to better suit the needs of potential students.
- Union City Campus: 12 month daytime Practical Nursing program that begins in May every year.
- Newbern Main Campus: 12 month daytime Practical Nursing program that begins in September every year.
- Newbern Main Campus: 18 month evening & weekend Practical Nursing program tailored to working individuals. Class meets on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings AND on Saturdays. Please call 731-627-2511 to see when the next evening/weekend program begins.

Click here for more information.

Practical Nursing Day Flyer

Tennessee's Economy

2023-2024 Reference Guide - Workforce Insights, Research, and Reporting Engine Division

Click to download (pdf file)

Right to Work State

A Right to Work State is generally defined as a state that does not require employees to join a Union as a condition of receiving or retaining a job.

Read the Benefits of a Right-to-Work State (pdf file)

Tennessee Work Learn Earn

Tennessee Work Learn Earn (https://tn.worklearnearn.org/) was developed in partnership with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development. The site offers tips and resources to help connect students and career-seekers with relevant education and job opportunities in our great state.

JOBS4TN.GOV

Find a job, post a résumé, setup a virtual recruiter, and get hired. Jobs4TN also allows employers to post jobs and view résumés of potential recruits with ease.

Go to JOBS4TN.GOV

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Employers can find the following articles in this section: staffing, tax and insurance, and safety and regulations. Labor/Workforce Contacts.

Visit Employers' page

View the Apprenticeship Fact Sheet

Labor/Workforce Contacts

Northwest and Southwest Tennessee American Job Center    

Dyersburg: (731) 501-1109
Dresden: (731) 364-0100

Tennessee Departmet of Labor and Workforce Development

Ph: (615) 741-1031

Career Planning and Development - UT Martin

Click here to download brochure (PDF file)

For more information, contact:
Kameron Echols
(731)881-3717
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Unemployment Resources for Obion County Residents

If you've recently lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits provided by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. These benefits offer temporary financial assistance to support you during your job search. To determine your eligibility and initiate a claim, visit the state's official unemployment portal. Here, you can file a claim, certify weekly for benefits, and explore job opportunities to help you re-enter the workforce. Additionally, the Obion County Chamber of Commerce offers various programs and initiatives aimed at workforce development and economic growth, which can be valuable resources during your transition. Remember, staying proactive and utilizing these resources can significantly aid in your journey back to employment.