By Rachel Nix, Building Kentucky
Quality education is a gateway to success – and several programs across the Commonwealth are working to boost Kentucky’s pool of skilled workers.
In Louisville, Code Louisville, run by the region’s workforce development board KentuckianaWorks, recently announced the placement of more than 500 graduates into new careers in the tech sector. Code Louisville removes barriers by offering high-quality tech training to Louisville residents free of charge. Graduates are also connected to hundreds of local companies looking for skilled tech workers.
New tech jobs continue to grow in major cities like Louisville with talented, and well-trained candidates in high demand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Code Louisville has offered online classes and career readiness training.
On-the-job training in other critical industries across the state is also growing, thanks to recent grants totaling more than $250,000 from the Delta Regional Authority.
The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) received $150,000 for the Hire to Operate (H20) program, which will support the Kentucky Rural Water Association’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. This program will strengthen the current and future pools of qualified water/wastewater systems operation specialists by providing instruction and hands-on training opportunities.
In Paducah, West Kentucky Community and Technical College will use its $106,580 in grant funding for its LPN-RN Accelerated Bridge program, which pairs online coursework with a simulation lab to allow students to complete the LPN-RN program in as little as one year. This program will help offset a nursing shortage by placing well-trained employees into the workforce by training up to 45 LPNs.
By offering real opportunities for training and offsetting the challenges Kentuckians face like job loss, declining industry and economic challenges enhanced by the COVID-19 pandemic, these workforce programs will make a clear impact on the lives of Kentuckians.
