Businesses in the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley have access to a skilled workforce with a high percentage of technologically trained workers. Workforce development programs ensure that these workers are ready to meet the needs of a changing, competitive global workplace.

The East Tennessee laborshed provides a strong supply of educated, dedicated employees for any type of enterprise. The area is home to top-quality educational institutions including the main campus of The University of Tennessee, eight four-year colleges, four two-year and community colleges, and six technology training centers.

The 2010 civilian labor force (full and part-time, non-farm wage and salary employees, and self-employed persons) in the Knoxville metropolitan area was 354,010, with an average unemployment rate of 9.3%. Knox County reported a total labor force of 224,470 and 8.5% unemployment. Local rates were lower than the statewide average of 10.7% and the national level of 9.7%. A diversified economy is credited for the stability of local employment and wages.