Labor Force

Available Qualified Workforce

Bradley County has a diverse, skilled workforce with employers ranging from manufacturing, food processing, corporate headquarters, customer service centers, healthcare and financial services to education, retail trade and construction. With over 100 manufacturers in the community, we have a strong manufacturing workforce representing 20.4% of the total workforce. The current workforce for Cleveland/Bradley County totals 51,060, of which 1,490 or 2.8% are currently unemployed. We also draw workers from surrounding counties. The following chart illustrates our labor-shed workforce:

Employer Assistance

Staffing assistance is available through the Chamber of Commerce’s member staffing agencies, as well as through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Southeast Tennessee Career Center. Services include employee testing and screening, drug testing, training services, skill assessments, job posting, interviewing and conference space, temporary labor, and labor market information.

Part-time Workers

Cleveland and Bradley County are blessed with two fine higher education institutions: Lee University and Cleveland State Community College. Many of their 8,500 students work part-time jobs in the community.