Tennessee Leadership Training Institute
Lead Today. Impact Tomorrow.
TLTI brings SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary student leaders together to strengthen leadership, communication, professionalism, teamwork, career readiness, and chapter impact.
What Is TLTI?
Developing Tennessee's Student Leaders
The Tennessee Leadership Training Institute is the state-level leadership experience for SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary students.
Participants connect with members from across Tennessee, strengthen leadership skills, discuss the student experience, and learn how to lead more effectively in their local chapters, colleges, communities, and future careers.
Through hands-on activities, meaningful conversations, and statewide collaboration, students discover how leadership connects to their education, careers, and communities.
The Student Experience
Leadership Development With Real Career Value
Leadership Development
Build confidence, communication, decision-making, professionalism, and leadership through guided activities.
Team Building
Strengthen collaboration, trust, problem-solving, and the ability to lead effectively with others.
SkillsUSA Framework
Apply personal, workplace, and technical skills to leadership, chapter service, and career preparation.
Statewide Networking
Connect with student leaders, advisors, employers, and peers from institutions across Tennessee.
Career Readiness
Develop professional identity, strengthen resumes, practice interviews, and prepare for career success.
State Officer Elections
Learn about state officer service, candidate expectations, delegate responsibilities, and the election process.
Leadership in Action
Learning to Lead Together
Leadership is developed through experience. TLTI challenges students to move beyond simply understanding leadership and begin demonstrating it.
From communication and teamwork to adapting when plans change, students practice the behaviors that employers, communities, and organizations need from effective leaders.
Explore Leadership ActivitiesStatesperson Award
Demonstrate Leadership Knowledge and Commitment
TLTI attendees may earn the Statesperson Award by completing additional leadership training requirements and demonstrating their understanding of SkillsUSA, leadership, citizenship, and professional responsibility.
Students and advisors demonstrate learning through leadership activities, reflections, and engagement with SkillsUSA principles.
Market Yourself for Career Success
Preparing Students for the Workforce
The TLTI pre-institute workforce workshop helps students identify strengths, develop professional resumes, improve interview skills, and navigate the job search process.
Students learn how to communicate their technical knowledge, experience, and professional potential to employers.
Workshop resources remain available below for continued use by students and advisors.
2026 Event Highlights
Leadership, Workforce Preparation & Student Voice
The 2026 Tennessee Leadership Training Institute brought together student leaders and advisors for two days of professional and leadership development in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Student Voice Matters
A Leader's Voice
Leadership development also means learning how to advocate, communicate with decision-makers, and represent the experiences of students.
During TLTI 2026, Emily Reynolds, Vice Chair of the Tennessee Board of Regents, participated in the institute's "A Leader's Voice" session.
Opportunities to connect with system leadership help students understand the importance of their perspective and their ability to create positive change.
Rising Phoenix Scholarship
Supporting Student Leadership
Phoenix Gaming and Collectibles sponsored $300 in student registration fees to support SkillsUSA Tennessee students attending TLTI 2026.
The scholarship recognized leadership potential, personal growth, resilience, and a desire to make a positive impact.
2026 TLTI Resource Library
Continue the Learning
Access presentations, keynote materials, leadership activities, and career resources from the October 22–23, 2026 institute.
Event Essentials
Keynote Speakers
Presentations focused on personal values, responsibility, resilience, and leadership growth.
SkillsUSA Leadership Activities
Interactive learning experiences supporting teamwork, communication, decision-making, and the SkillsUSA Framework.
Workforce & Career Readiness
Advisor Learning
Explore additional photographs from TLTI 2026.
View 2026 TLTI PhotosLeadership Beyond the Institute
The Leadership Journey Continues
SkillsUSA leadership does not end when an event concludes or a term of office is completed.
The experiences, relationships, and skills students develop continue to influence their education, workplaces, and communities.
Alumni officers are part of that continuing leadership story, demonstrating the lasting value of involvement and service.
Take the Next Step
Continue Your SkillsUSA Leadership Journey
TLTI is an important step in the SkillsUSA leadership continuum. Students leave with tools they can use in their chapters, classrooms, competitions, state officer service, and future careers.