Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)

Training options are available through Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)

What is Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)?

A federal program that seeks to provide workers who have lost their job due to foreign trade with opportunities to obtain the skills, resources, and support needed to become reemployed.

Who is considered a Trade Impacted Worker?

You must have received notice of or have been laid off from a trade impacted company.

You must be covered by a certified trade petition.

To reach the TAA Petition website location, click button above or click here.

What services and benefits may TAA-eligible workers request?

  •  Re-employment Services
  •  Occupational Training
  • On the Job Training (OJT)
  • Job Search Allowance – subject to time limits
  •  Relocation Allowance – subject to time limits
  • TRA (Trade Readjustment Assistance) is available to provide income support to workers participating in full-time training. – time eligibility requirements apply

What types of training are available?

  • Remedial: GED/HiSet
  • Basic Skills brings the worker up to the point where he or she may be enrolled in training.
  • Developmental class brings the worker up to college standards.
  • Occupational Training that leads the worker to long term employment
  • On the Job Training (OJT)
  • Apprenticeship

What costs of approved training are covered by TAA?

  • Occupational Training: The TAA Program will cover 100% of the required occupational training costs if training is approved.
  • Tuition, fees, required textbooks, tools, supplies, uniforms, and travel cost
  • On the Job Training(OJT): The TAA Program will cover 50% of the participant’s earned wage under OJT
  • Cost of related training, required books, tools, required uniforms

What are the TAA services requirements?

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is considered a work-first program. Therefore, a search for suitable employment is required before some services may be requested. Each service requested has individual requirements that have to be met in order for approval under the program.

To find out more about how to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance services and benefits:

  • Contact an American Job Center near you to set up an appointment with a TAA Representative.
  • You can find your nearest American Job Center by going to www.tn.gov/workforce/employees. (Scroll down and click on "American Job Center" and enter your city, state, or Zip Code to find a location near you.)
  • Call the American Job Center nearest you and the TAA Representative will explain Trade Adjustment Assistance services and the process for applying.
  • Begin the process by registering at www.jobs4tn.gov.

If you have questions concerning TAA, contact your local Tennessee American Job Center or the Workforce Services Division, TAA Unit, in Nashville at (615) 253-6668, or (800) 432-5268 for calls inside the state.

Send comments to Mayra.Marquez-Rios@tn.gov.

mikejones

David Kinneman

David entered Volunteer State Community College on May 8, 2017, under the TAA program in pursuit of an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Accounting Program and received TRA benefits as well for the entirety of his training, which he successfully completed on December 13, 2018.

Upon his graduation, he took a position with ABC Technologies as a Quality Auditor on March 12, 2019, and has since submitted his resume to them for consideration for an accounting position with them, but he called on March 13, 2020, and told me he did not get the accounting position but will continue putting his resume out there to other employers. 

David was always a joy to work with, remains in touch to this day. He even invited me to his graduation, which I was honored to attend.

- W.M. (Mike) Jones

melissat

Melissa Templeton

Melissa was employed by a Massachusetts based company for 14 years when her job was eliminated and sent offshore. During her time at that employer she did transcription from 2002 to 2013 until she was promoted to a management position in 2013. Her job was eliminated in 2016 and she became eligible for TAA benefits and services.

Melissa was not able to find employment that paid wages close to what she had been earning. She decided to pursue training through the TAA Program to earn a degree in Radiology Technology. During her time in TAA funded training Melissa excelled in the Radiology Technology Program at Volunteer State Community College. She completed all her clinicals with one of those being at Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

Melissa successfully completed her degree in Radiology Technology in May of 2020. After earning her degree, she was immediately hired to begin work the following week at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee where she had completed a term of her clinical studies.

Congratulations Melissa on your new job!

Federal Regulation Materials

Materials have been provided to further support those assisting trade customers.

Related Links
TAA Brochure