Category: The Tao of Grau

Business leaders interact with Dr. Gary Grau’s students.

by northeastnation May 16, 2014

Kristie Johnson and the business of formal wear

Weddings and formal events mark important life milestones. Kristie Johnson, owner of Annie’s Room formal wear boutique in Kingsport, knowsContinue Reading

by northeastnation April 15, 2013

The Tao of Grau

Taxation details critical for business students

(Northeast State professor Dr. Gary Grau welcomes workforce professionals, small business owners, and entrepreneurial thinkers from around the region toContinue Reading

by northeastnation March 1, 2013

The Tao of Grau

Grown locally, eaten happily

(Northeast State professor Dr. Gary Grau welcomes workforce professionals, small business owners, and entrepreneurial thinkers from around the region toContinue Reading

by northeastnation September 17, 2012

The Tao of Grau

Bakery founder shares story with business students

When Cotton Roberts and his wife decided to open a bakery, the skeptics were many. Starting a bakery in aContinue Reading

Building Futures: Apprenticeships That Work - The Sound Bearier

What does an apprenticeship look like in 2026, and why are more students and employers turning to them as a pathway to success? On this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State Community College Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Holly Free-Ollard and Director of Apprenticeships Dawn Carter to explore how apprenticeships are changing lives across the region. From hands-on training and paid work experience to partnerships with local industries, the conversation dives into how Northeast State is helping students gain real-world skills while meeting workforce needs throughout the Tri-Cities. Whether you're a student exploring career options or an employer looking to invest in the future workforce, this episode highlights the impact and opportunity behind apprenticeship programs at Northeast State. #NortheastState #TheSoundBearier #Apprenticeships #WorkforceDevelopment #HereToGetYouThere #WereJustGettingStarted Chapters (00:00:08) - Sound Bearier(00:00:57) - The Office of Apprenticeships at Northeast State Community College(00:05:55) - What is the Knoxville Regional Apprenticeship Program?(00:07:46) - Employment and Training: How do we help our workers?(00:09:28) - What kind of training does an apprentice get?(00:11:32) - What are employers telling you that they need in the future or what(00:15:56) - Are these credits transferable if they do want to eventually pursue an(00:19:53) - What is the Apprenticeship Program at Northeast State University?(00:22:29) - National Apprenticeship Week Celebration(00:24:58) - What types of gaps are employers seeking to fill with their apprenticeships(00:29:23) - What are the opportunities for apprenticeships in healthcare?(00:36:08) - Do Advanced Manufacturing Partners Need an Apprenticeship Program?