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Dislocated Worker – One door closed and a Window Opened
A dislocated worker worked since the early age of 14 years old as an iron rod buster. At first starting with smaller jobs, they worked their way to supervising parts of the rebuild for the Twin Towers. They showed staff pictures of them in huge fractures or segments of iron sectioned off, hanging upside down and crawling up the infrastructure. This is a family tradition, and most of the men in their family have worked in iron at least one point in their life. They were tired of being away from home. They applied for unemployment for the first time in a very long time. At first, they were denied but again started receiving their benefits. They began looking at this as an opportunity to begin something different. While on a layoff, they checked into the center's services. After researching a few companies in Lexington, updating a resume, and submitting an application, one of the positions required a bachelor's degree. They thought they would try to gain employment closer to home. After several weeks, they were offered a Supervisory role over some major buildings around the Tri-State area. They started their new job on 04/12/2024.
Foster Youth – Voices of the Commonwealth (VOC)
The VOC is comprised of Kentucky foster care
youth and alumni aged 16-23 and is instrumental in communicating to
foster/adoptive parents, out-of-home care staff, and community partners the
issues and needs of youth in care and those who have aged out of the system.
The VOC advocates for positive change in the foster care system. Members of the
VOC work closely with various agencies, including CHFS staff, judges, CASA
staff, state officials, private childcare agencies, educators, and more. The
VOC also works with current and former foster youth to develop strategies for a
brighter future as well as to educate them about their rights,
responsibilities, available resources, and the policies that affect their life.
For more information, visit: https://kyrise.ky.gov.
A new member joined the VOC because they saw issues in the foster care system and wanted to do what they could to help create positive change and support others. They are currently a junior in high school and will be graduating early in December 2024. They plan to continue their education at a university beginning January 2025 and study social work with the goal of becoming a trauma therapist.
Another individual is the 2024 Exceptional Foster Alumni Award recipient. They are 20 years old with two young children. In 2023, they started the Earn & Learn program while pregnant with their second child. They wanted to create a better life for themselves and their children, and the program gave them the motivation they needed. In the spring of 2024, they finished the GED program, despite facing postpartum depression and a serious illness with their youngest child. “Now I have my GED, my license, closing on my vehicle soon, and just enrolled in college," they said. They plan to become a hair and makeup artist by completing their cosmetology license and opening their own salon. “I most definitely recommend this program. I know if I can finish this, you definitely can," they said.
Cumberlands Area Dislocated Worker
A dislocated worker was registered for WIOA/NDWG to undergo CDL training. Previously, they worked on a travel maintenance team but put their career on hold to care for their ill spouse, who unfortunately passed away within the first year. They used up their savings during the time spent caring for their spouse. They decided not to return to travel-related work and instead wanted to stay local and spend time with their grandkids. After assessment and discussion, they opted for CDL training. Once they completed the training, they were hired full-time as a heavy equipment mover locally. They mentioned that the program had a lasting impact on their life. Their WIOA services were completed on 04/30/24.
Cumberlands Area WIOA Adult
A participant was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on January 23, 2024. “This was undoubtedly the scariest day of my life," the individual said. With only one semester left to complete the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program, they immediately thought about school and how they would complete what they had worked so hard for. They were always committed to the WIOA program, following the procedure of monthly contact with their case manager. They completed their ADN with honors in May 2024 and were named Somerset Community College's Health Sciences Student of the Year. They are now working as a registered nurse in the Emergency Room Department at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. They completed WIOA services on 05/30/24.
Internship to Good Job Full-time Employment
A nursing student was juggling the demands of full-time nursing studies at Somerset Community College when they enrolled in employment services through their local Kentucky Career Center JobSight in Clay County, hoping to find a job while continuing their studies. That decision paid off, first with a paid internship and eventually a full-time job that allowed them to gain real-world experience in healthcare while embarking on a fulfilling career path.
The individual learned about the career center services in Manchester through a friend whose enrollment there led to a job. Driven by their passion for caring for others, they decided to enroll and were paired with an experienced career advisor who connected them with an internship opportunity at AdventHealth Manchester.
A partner in the Kentucky Career Center JobSight network of workforce centers, DBCAA provides Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services in Clay and Jackson counties under contract with the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP). These services include programs for people who may need assistance honing skills such as résumé building or networking with local employers, or who need assistance being retrained or going to school.
Recognizing their potential and dedication, the advisor quickly connected them with the clinic manager at AdventHealth. An interview was arranged, and they were offered the internship.
Upon completing their internship, AdventHealth Manchester offered them a full-time position. They continue to work there while pursuing their nursing degree. Their journey highlights the effectiveness of the career center's partnership with EKCEP in providing comprehensive career services to residents of Clay and Jackson counties through the JobSight network.
Out-of-School Youth Program Success
A graduate with a degree in computer information systems, originally from Jackson County, wanted to start their career close to home but assumed their options there might be limited.
They visited the Kentucky Career Center JobSight at Daniel Boone Community Action in McKee, which changed things for them. At the career center, they enrolled for employment services and were paired with a career advisor who helped connect them with a local company offering a good opportunity.
The individual was eligible for the career center's out-of-school youth program. Since they didn't have a work history at the time, the career advisor contacted local employers that might fit their career interests and eventually connected them with a work experience opportunity with a local telecommunications company. The career center helped cover their wages for three months while they gained real-world experience on the job.
After the initial three months, the company offered them a part-time position, and one year after graduating college, they were hired as a full-time engineering tech. They have since moved to a neighboring county and continue their job. They noted that this career was one they likely would not have today had it not been for their decision to enroll at the Kentucky Career Center JobSight.
Dislocated Worker Success
A dislocated worker from Lee County was laid off for the winter from their job as head equipment operator in late 2023. Their employer made it clear that if they obtained a commercial driver's license (CDL), a new position would be available to them at a higher salary.
They knew what they needed to do. They had already obtained a learner's permit but didn't have the funds to cover the cost of full CDL training. They visited the Kentucky Career Center JobSight at Middle Kentucky Community Action and discovered a network of support that would provide an opportunity for them to leap into a new career in the transportation industry.
After connecting with their career advisor, they learned that support from Middle KY not only provided guidance but also alleviated financial barriers to accessing training and resources. Because of their layoff, they were eligible for services as a dislocated worker, which meant the career center could cover the cost of their CDL training.
In May 2024, they obtained their CDL and are currently working in their field of choice. They noted that the career center services were a big help in making sure they could return to work as quickly as they did. As they look toward the future, they recommend the services available at the Middle Kentucky Career Center to anyone seeking to embark on a new career path or enhance their skills.
Adult and Wrap-Around Services – Overcoming addiction
A person struggled with addiction, and their journey led them to a recovery center that helped them on the path to recovery, supported them, and showed them hope for the future.
They were introduced to the Kentucky Career Center after attending a WIOA orientation at the Florence office. At a pivotal phase in their recovery, they were preparing to reenter employment, which left them uncertain about the opportunities available. Sobriety was their number one focus, so they knew they would need additional support throughout the employment journey. After attending orientation and learning about the different programs offered by the Kentucky Career Center, they decided that WIOA seemed like a great opportunity.
They worked with their Talent Development Specialist (TDS) for several weeks to create an Individual Career Plan. While working on the career plan, they explored many different career options, using an interest profiler. Their TDS went over the in-demand sectors in the Northern Kentucky region and explained the different positions within those career pathways. It didn't take long for them to realize that they wanted to work with others on a similar path. A resume was completed, interview skills were offered, WIOA paperwork was completed, and their employment search began with assistance from the TDS and the business services team.
Since becoming WIOA eligible, they gained employment and are now helping others on their path to recovery at the recovery center. Giving back to others in recovery has made a significant difference in their own journey. They hope to continue working with those in recovery, both now and in the future.
KentuckianaWorks Area - “The Spot" (Youth Service Center) Success stories
A participant was enrolled into the Louisville WIOA program in June of 2023. They expressed interest in doing an internship and were placed at a local foundation, where they completed their internship. Unfortunately, after the internship, they were arrested and spent several months in jail. Upon their release, they returned to the Youth Service Center, eager to continue working toward obtaining a certification that would help them find a good job. They signed up for Forklift Training with Goodwill in April and earned a Forklift and Human Services Certification.
Another participant enrolled with the Career Center on 1/11/24, referred by their mother when she came to the Hope Community Center for assistance. Since enrollment, they have completed Soft Skills, Good Start, and RISE programs (offered by Goodwill Industries for youth). They earned a customer service certification and completed applied digital skills. Currently, they are doing an internship with a local community action agency, performing tasks such as answering phones, greeting clients, taking messages, and doing computer work. They have blossomed in this role and are no longer shy. They have a wonderful smiling face when clients enter the building and hope to obtain a full-time position soon.
Another individual enrolled at The Spot back in April of 2023. At the completion of the Thrive process, they weren't sure what they wanted to do. They had one section of the GED test left to complete but struggled with anxiety and depression, which held them back from testing. After working with their career coach, they decided to take advantage of other workshops and credentialing programs offered at The Spot. They earned certifications in Human Services, Motivational Interviewing, and Customer Service. They also participated in "Taste of the Trades" and "Love Notes." While initially hesitant to follow through with an internship, they eventually decided they were ready. They were placed at a local Goodwill store for an internship, which they completed in April 2024. They are now working part-time while deciding on their next steps.
Another participant enrolled on 5/8/24. They had to drop out of high school a few years ago due to a tornado that devastated their family's home and vehicles. They dropped out of school to help their family with the aftermath. Since enrolling, they have worked diligently to complete provided workshops, including Soft Skills, Good Start, and RISE. Using a new job-shadowing tool, they have expressed interest in becoming a graphic designer and are currently completing an in-person job shadowing experience. They are also working with local service providers to obtain their GED and should be taking the test soon.
A participant started attending The Spot in January 2024 while struggling with housing insecurity. They shared their past difficulties, including growing up in foster care and past criminal justice involvement. They utilized various services and worked with their Career Coach and Housing Career Coach to apply for a Section 8 Voucher. They completed the Thrive Process, a 200-hour internship placement, and Trades Exploration Training. Currently, they are registered for classes at a local technical college with plans to pursue a nursing track. They were awarded a Section 8 voucher and have started a new job at a local business to maintain their financial progress. They are excited about the future and the progress they've made.
Adult Education Graduation Ceremony
On Thursday, June 27th, Oldham County Adult Education held their GED Graduation Ceremony. Oldham County has been a strong county partner this year with 46 referrals, resulting in 27 enrollments. Nine of the 27 enrollees obtained their GED, and three additional enrollees are just one test away from earning their GED.
Bullitt County School System Teacher Registered Apprenticeship
When a local educator attended the WKU Teacher Apprenticeship Summit in early Fall of 2023, they quickly set a course for action. By mid-Fall, the educator had assembled a team from local colleges to help craft the Bullitt County Public Schools Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program. The program was fully registered in January 2024, and the selection process for apprentices began in March. Since registering the program, Bullitt County has:
- Selected 5 Youth Apprentices (co-rolled in TRACK as well as DOL RA).
- Given their curriculum away to the Ohio Valley Educational Consortium for use by any school that can benefit.
- Presented their path and model to the Annual KACTE Conference in Louisville in July.
Their
generosity is already bearing fruit. An announcement in July by OVEC
has identified 6 other school districts in the Commonwealth of Kentucky
that have committed to having a functioning Teacher RA in the Fall of
2025.
JCPS/Trivista Truck Sales Youth Apprenticeship
Trivista
Truck Sales had not seen an apprentice in a while. By re-connecting
the program, not only was management re-energized, but they decided to
partner more tightly with Jefferson County Public Schools to identify
early talent in the diesel mechanics TRACK Program. Trivista is looking
forward to bringing in apprentices later this year.
Jim Beam Brands
The
Jim Beam Institute Industry Conference was held in March allowed for
deeper conversations with Jim Beam Brands. While Beam already has a
whiskey distiller's apprenticeship program for one of its craft
distilleries, each distillery under Jim Beam Brands has a unique
flavor. With continued assistance from the Department of Workforce
Development, Office of Employer and Apprenticeship Services, Beam is
creating 3-6 additional apprenticeship programs for different
distilleries. The desire from leadership is to get these RA Programs in
place and then open up the Jim Beam Institute (located on the UK
Campus) to not only UK students and Jim Beam employees, but also to
employees of other distilleries to use as the RTI for their own RA
Programs in Whiskey Distilling.
Adult Services and Second Chance Transformation – KentuckianaWorks
A person's history included homelessness, drug use, alcoholism, and violence experienced during childhood. They were recently released from jail after serving five years and needed essentials like clothes and shoes to get started, along with securing a job. They walked into a Goodwill Opportunity campus located in Louisville. Over the past few months, they participated in job readiness programs, gaining skills to re-enter the job market. Their determination helped them acquire a job, and within two months, they were promoted to Team Lead.
Video Link to his story: Kentucky Career Center: Donald
Dislocated Worker – Skills 2 Succeed
A dislocated worker was laid off from their long-time job and sought assistance at a Kentucky Career Center in the Green River Area. With unemployment benefits running out and a new baby on the way, they decided to pivot their career.
They enrolled in a driving academy and successfully obtained their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit. Through determination and newly acquired skills, they secured a position with a trucking company in Henderson, KY, starting a new career with a prosperous future, while being home nights with their family.
Dislocated Worker – Skills 2 Succeed
Another dislocated worker visited the Kentucky Career Center seeking assistance with filing for an unemployment claim. They were helped by a Workforce Development Specialist, who also inquired if they were interested in job seeker services. The worker expressed interest in obtaining a CDL.
The specialist spoke about the Skills to Succeed program and referred the worker to CDL training through a local driving academy. The worker secured employment with their previous company, which accommodated their training schedule to help them achieve their goals.
Bluegrass Area
Youth Services Assistance
A young adult visited the KCC Georgetown office
for job search assistance. A specialist helped build a resume and coach the
individual on workplace soft skills. The person’s barriers were that they were
only 17 years old with limited experience and had no transportation and needed
employment on the bus route. A business services consultant contacted local
businesses in Harrison County where the individual lived. After speaking with
Edgemont Healthcare regarding a housekeeping position, an interview was arranged.
Soon after the interview, the person was offered the position in their
hometown.
Community Collaboration Success
Develop
Danville Regional Resource/ Job Fair on 4/11/24 was a huge success!
Between 450-500 job seekers were onsite along with 57 employers.
Employers from various sectors were onsite willing and ready to find
qualified candidates. Kentucky Career Center was excited to partner with
Boyle County to make the event a success. Kentucky Career Center staff
directly assisted 2 job seekers with getting interviews on the same day!
Planning for the Fall Event in partnership and collaboration with
businesses and workforce partners in September has already begun.
Dislocated Worker Highlights
A dislocated worker visited the Richmond Kentucky Career Center for job search assistance. They were dislocated from the Army Depot in September 2023 and were interested in working at Amteck. A specialist assisted the dislocated worker with getting their resume updated/ prepared for employment. A business services consultant reached out to Amteck and was able to get an interview scheduled. Amteck was very impressed, and the dislocated worker started the Quick Start Program and is doing great!
Another dislocated worker worked with a career specialist to complete assessment and enrollment for WIOA Program offerings. The worker indicated they had a passion for cooking/ becoming a chef and that they spent much time volunteering at homeless shelters helping prepare food. A business services specialist reached out to Lighthouse Ministries and was able to get the individual on as a paid internship as a cook. The worker was very happy about being able to make a difference in the lives of others with their cooking skills.
TENCO Area
Adult Services –WIOA Title I
When
Darryl met with a career counselor in October, he was living in a
camper on a family member's property. After some family emergencies,
Darryl realized he needed to get into a regular job to be able to
support himself. He wanted a job where he could work independently and
welcomed the opportunity to travel.
Darryl
was 59 years old, had some legal issues, and struggled with basic
reading and math skills. It took a lot of work, but Darryl persisted
and convinced his career counselor that he was committed to getting his
CDL.
With WIOA Title I training funds and supportive services,
Darryl started his training in December 2023. He had excellent progress
reports each week and completed his training in four weeks. He
obtained his Class A CDL license on Jan. 8, 2024.
It took Darryl a
couple of months to find the right employer for him. In March 2024, he
accepted a position with Western Express in Nashville, TN. He now
travels across the country and continues to update his counselor
periodically, sending photos of his adventures around the U.S. Darryl
said he “always keeps some Ale8 in his cooler so he can share a bottle
of Kentucky when he meets other truck drivers". When he got his job,
his young grandson gave him a toy, “Pete the Cat" to take with him on
his trips so he wouldn't be alone. One of his favorite things is
telling stories to his grandson and Darryl states that now he has the
perfect story “The Traveling Adventures of Papaw and Pete the Cat".
Business Services – Live Wire Printing
The owner of Live Wire Printing has seen their
small printing business soar to new heights, thanks to a successful networking
encounter at the Kentucky Career Centers – TENCO Hiring Event. Hosted in
partnership with the Lewis County Judge Executive and Lewis County High School
on April 4th, 2024, the event proved to be a pivotal moment for Live Wire
Printing.
"We want to thank everyone who made the hiring event in Vanceburg possible," the business owner expressed gratefully. "Attending that job fair boosted my business by providing a way for me to showcase my services to an array of different businesses in Lewis County." The connections made during the event were transformative. The owner seized the opportunity to network with various employers, which led to significant business opportunities. Notably, Live Wire Printing secured contracts with two prominent local entities: Lewis County EMS and Fresh Start Health in Vanceburg, KY.
The success story of Live Wire Printing illustrates the power of local initiatives and community support in propelling small businesses forward. Through proactive networking and a commitment to delivering quality service, the owner and their team have not only expanded their client base but also solidified their presence within the Lewis County business community. As the owner looks ahead, they remain optimistic about the future of Live Wire Printing. "We're excited about what lies ahead," they concluded. "The hiring event was just the beginning of our journey towards becoming a trusted partner in the vibrant business landscape of Lewis County."
West Kentucky Area
Out-of-school Youth (OSY)
A high school graduate working at Food Lion as a
stocker knew that they wanted to go back to school and become a certified
welder. They visited Hopkinsville Community College’s Youth Workforce
Connections, which receives Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act funds
from the West Kentucky Workforce Board to serve out-of-school youth ages 18-24.
They met with a career coach who partnered with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky to help the individual complete a paid work experience. Goodwill hired the individual at the completion of the work experience. Despite the new position, they still wanted to become a certified welder. So, they applied for a student loan and enrolled in a welding course. They continued to see their career coach, who helped them stay on track to achieve their dream and receive their American Welding Society certification. They are currently employed at an automotive manufacturing facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky as a welder.
In-School Youth (ISY)
Kameron
Morris entered the Christian County Public Schools Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (WIOA) In-School Youth Program, through the West
Kentucky Workforce Board, in July of 2023. Upon entrance, Kameron was a
rising senior at Hopkinsville High School, had an active IEP and was
basic skills deficient. He was unemployed at the time of eligibility.
Kameron entered the program with interest in attending college via a
career and technical education program or going directly to the
workforce. Kameron was enrolled in machine tool and Industrial
Maintenance classes his senior year and was thriving in those areas.
Kameron joined the WIOA program looking for assistance in how to
navigate post-secondary education requirements. He needed tutoring to
raise his basic skills and keep up his grades his senior year and
desired a work experience in his field of interest.
During his
senior year, Kameron attended tutoring to practice his math and reading
skills, as well as to keep his grades up in his classes so he would be
sure to earn his high school diploma. He learned to advocate for his
accommodations during tutoring sessions. He attended many transition
activities that assisted him with his technical college applications,
FAFSA, resume, interviewing techniques, how to dress professionally and
more. Kameron was placed in a work experience at the Hopkinsville Water
Environment Authority where he not only was able to practice his soft
skills and employability skills, but he trained in beginning industrial
maintenance so that he could decide if the field would become a
long-term goal for him. Admittedly, out of his comfort zone, Kameron
attended leadership training in peer-centered activities where he taught
a light automotive maintenance class and made some tutorial videos for
his class.
Because
of his continuous efforts in all of the services offered via the
program, Kameron graduated from Hopkinsville High School on May 16,
2024. He continues working at HWEA as they retained him once his work
experience hours were exhausted. Kameron was accepted to the
Hopkinsville Community College HOPFAME Program where beginning in the
fall he will begin work at Huhtamaki and take Industrial Maintenance
classes - he will earn while he learns.
Kameron states, “Because
of my learning disability and the fact that I'm just not good with the
books, I knew it would be a struggle for me to graduate high school and
now I have a good job and am going to college to do something I love and
am interested in. The WIOA program helped me remain accountable and
pushed me beyond what I thought I could do myself. I learned how to
advocate for myself because I am a hard worker and that counts."
Adult Worker – Healthcare Sector degree for a Single Mother
A single mother of two was unemployed in December 2022 and had started attending West Kentucky Community and Technical College to pursue a nursing degree. Without income, she was struggling to meet the financial requirements of attending college. She learned about the West Kentucky Workforce Board and how Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) could help. She contacted the Paducah Career Center and met with a WIOA Career Coach who completed her eligibility for WIOA Adult assistance.
She was an excellent student, completed her Registered Nursing degree, and passed her boards in May 2024. She was hired by Baptist Health Paducah on June 3, 2024, as an Emergency Department Registered Nurse.
Dislocated Worker / Rapid Response Success
A worker was employed at MSSC when the plant consolidated and began phasing out their workforce. The layoffs at the Hopkinsville, Kentucky facility were certified as Trade impacted by the US Department of Labor. This individual was dislocated in March 2022.
They attended Rapid Response activities offered by the West Kentucky Workforce Board and learned that the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act could help them earn a degree. They met with a WIOA Career Coach and enrolled at Hopkinsville Community College, majoring in Business. The worker gained full-time employment on May 20, 2024, with Pennyroyal Farm Analysis Group, Inc. as a Bookkeeper/Payroll Clerk.
Dislocated worker / RESEA class success
A worker was laid off from their job at Spring Creek Healthcare in Murray on September 16, 2022. They participated in a RESEA class at the Paducah Career Center and learned about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). With some college credits, the worker was interested in finishing their education. They met with a WIOA career coach and learned that the West Kentucky Workforce Board could assist them with tuition assistance as a dislocated worker. This led them to enroll in the Health Science Technology program at West Kentucky Community & Technical College starting in January 2023.
In May 2024, the worker graduated with an Associates of Applied Sciences degree and an Associates of Arts degree. During their studies, they earned certificates in medical receptionist, data entry operator, phlebotomy, and healthcare worker. After graduation, the worker was hired by Calvert City Convalescent Center, increasing their wages from $12 an hour before being dislocated to $19.50 an hour.
Dislocated Elderly Veteran – Relocation Success
An elderly veteran was dislocated from their job and visited the Paducah Career Center seeking assistance filing an unemployment claim. They had limited computer skills and needed additional income to cover bills that their Social Security benefits couldn't fully support.
Initially hesitant to utilize a Career Coach, the worker was taught how to conduct online job searches, but received little response from their applications. After several weeks of unsuccessful searching, they realized they needed more help.
The worker was assigned a career coach who discussed their skills, barriers, and employment goals. The coach reviewed their resume, ensuring no skills gained over the years were overlooked. The individual began attending the center's Tuesday Job Fairs and had the opportunity to speak directly to human resource managers. They obtained a position, but it wasn't a good fit, so they returned to the center. One day, when Railcrew Express was conducting interviews, the worker's career coach helped them apply and secured an interview that same day. Railcrew Express offered the worker a position on the spot. They are currently completing pre-employment requirements and expect to begin their new role driving railroad crews to and from depots around the area. The worker is excited to be a part of this exciting industry and looks forward to starting their new position.
The Kentucky Governor's Office of Early Childhood Graduation Ceremony
On June 21, 2024, the Kentucky Governor's Office of Early Childhood celebrated their first Registered Apprenticeship Graduation ceremony, honoring over 60 apprentices who received their Journey Worker Credential in an Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship. This event marked a significant milestone with the graduation of the first individual nationwide to earn a Journey Worker Credential as an Early Childhood Administrator/Director. This occupation, approved in response to the childcare workforce crisis, addresses the inadequacies of current administrator/director training programs.
Through these initiatives, the Kentucky Governor's Office of Early Childhood continues to enhance early childhood education by developing skilled professionals equipped to meet the needs of communities.