As National Apprenticeship Week highlights workforce innovation across the country, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce is using modern apprenticeships to build its own talent pipeline.
Through initiatives like Apprenticeship Works, supported by partners including BuildWithin, the Chamber encourages local employers to rethink how they recruit, train and retain talent. But beyond advocacy, the organization has put that philosophy into action.
Modern apprenticeships are built on a simple concept: earn while you learn. Participants gain paid, hands-on experience while completing structured training aligned to employer needs, resulting in employees who bring both practical skills and recognized credentials to their roles.
The Chamber’s own experience highlights the impact of this model. Uzma Shahbaz joined the organization as an apprentice, working as an accounting coordinator while completing the program. Through a combination of on-the-job experience, mentorship and formal training, she developed the skills needed to grow within the organization. Upon completing the program, Shahbaz was elevated to the role of accounting manager, filling a critical position from within.
“Through this program, I gained valuable hands-on experience and a structured platform that gave me direction and clarity,” said Shahbaz. “It has brought me closer to achieving my career goals.”
Shahbaz, who completed the program in February 2026, represents the kind of upward mobility apprenticeships are designed to create, opening doors for individuals while strengthening the organizations they serve.
For the Chamber, the benefits extend beyond a single hire. “Instead of relying solely on traditional hiring pipelines, the apprenticeship allowed us to invest in a high-potential team member and grow critical skills internally,” said Yolonda Hayslett, vice president of finance. “Shahbaz’s growth directly contributed to her promotion to accounting manager.”
For employers, apprenticeships offer a practical solution to workforce challenges, creating a reliable talent pipeline, reducing hiring risk and increasing retention through early investment in employees. Programs can be tailored to fit a wide range of roles, from finance and operations to IT and marketing.
As Chattanooga continues to gain recognition as a national leader in apprenticeship innovation, the Chamber’s experience with the program shows that building talent from within works, and it’s a model worth following. To explore how your organization can get started with apprenticeships, visit apprenticeship.works.
