S. Central KY - Adult Services / RESEA SuccessA dislocated worker spent much of their career
in temporary positions. They sought stability but found it elusive. Their
journey took a significant turn when they were referred to Career TEAM from the
RESEA program with the aim to enroll in a WIOA-funded Work Experience (WEX)
program. This opportunity came at a crucial time for them; they had been laid
off from a job at NASCO on March 1, 2024.
The dislocated worker faced a series of
challenges as they actively sought new employment but could not secure a
permanent role. They expressed their desire for stable, long-term employment
during discussions with their Career Advisor. The advisor noted their needs and
aspirations, then introduced them to the Work Experience Program. The Career
Advisor also took the initiative to update the dislocated worker's resume,
which was shared with one of Career TEAM's new partners, The Dove Healing
Center.
The Dove Healing Center welcomed the worker and
provided them with constructive and meaningful work experience and training
activities. Through this program, the individual was able to gain new skills
and enhance their employability and confidence. Impressed by their dedication
and growth, Dove Healing Center decided to offer them a full-time position.
The dislocated worker started their new job on
July 22, 2024. They were elated and expressed their gratitude, saying, "I
just wanted to thank you all for helping me so much! You all are great people
and I have enjoyed working with each and every one of you!"
This success story highlights the impact of
supportive programs and partnerships in transforming career paths and helping
individuals achieve their goals of stable, permanent employment.
S. Central KY - Re-Entry Success
An
individual's journey to employment was marked by significant
challenges. They had been released from the Department of Corrections
after serving 14 months and were determined to rebuild their life.
Before their incarceration, they were let go from a job and made several
decisions that led to their current situation: living at SOKY Sober
Living and facing unemployment.
With a weekly rent of $135 and no means to pay
it, the individual was under immense stress. They lacked transportation and
relied on rides from others or walking to get around. Despite these obstacles,
they were resolute in their goal to re-enter the workforce as quickly as
possible. They turned to the career center for employment services and rental
assistance.
heir Career Advisor stepped in to provide
comprehensive support. They were enrolled in WIOA Supportive Services and
received rental assistance, easing worries about becoming homeless.
Additionally, their advisor helped them update their resume and assisted with
job searches. Recognizing that the individual lacked interview attire, the
Career Advisor also arranged for supportive services to address this need.
Their career goal was to become a plumber. The
Career Advisor guided them in applying to Stewart Richey Commercial Plumbing.
With newfound confidence, the individual attended an interview with Stewart
Richey and successfully secured the position.
They expressed appreciation for the support and
guidance, stating, "My Career Advisor saw me as a person and not just
someone wanting handouts. They really invested in me, and I am so
thankful!"
This story is a testament to the transformative
power of dedicated career advisors and supportive services. Through their
efforts, the individual was able to find stability, regain confidence, and
secure a promising job, paving the way for a brighter future.
S. Central QUEST Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant - Second-Chance Successes:
Empowering Incarcerated Individuals through Work Ready Bootcamps
Since July 2024, the South Central Workforce
Development Board, in partnership with the Logan County Detention Center and
Simpson County Detention Center, has successfully conducted a series of
transformative Work Ready Bootcamps. These bootcamps, designed to provide
critical workforce skills to incarcerated individuals, have seen the
participation of 63 individuals to date.
The primary goal of these bootcamps is to equip
participants with the tools they need to successfully reenter the workforce
upon release. Many participants earned valuable certifications, including the
General OSHA-10, First Aid/CPR/AED, as well as completed comprehensive
Financial Literacy and Soft Skills training. These certifications and skills
are crucial in improving their employability and enhancing their chances for a
successful transition into meaningful employment.
This program was made possible through funding
from the Department of Labor’s Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy, and Training
Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant. The grant has been instrumental in
supporting our mission to provide high-quality training opportunities to
individuals affected by various challenges, including those currently
incarcerated.
The impact of these
bootcamps extends beyond the certifications earned. By providing
participants with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the
workforce, pathways are created for sustainable employment, breaking
the cycle of recidivism, and contributing to stronger communities.
These success stories are a
testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment of the
partners investing in workforce development for all, regardless of their
circumstances. Here is a link to local news report that do a great job
of describing the impact of this program: https://www.wnky.com/logan-county-detention-center-helping-inmates-with-new-programs/.
Hiring Events in Bowling Green, KY
On August 28, the Kentucky Career Center in
Bowling Green, KY, hosted a highly successful hiring event that drew the
participation of 14 local employers and an impressive 332 job seekers. This
event showcased a collaborative effort between key workforce development
stakeholders, including the Career Development Office (Wagner-Peyser staff) and
the One Stop Operator, who led the planning and execution of the event.
The
South Central Workforce Development Board, the International Center of
Kentucky, and other community partners played vital supporting roles,
ensuring the event's success. Notably, four interpreters were present to
assist non-English speaking job seekers, reflecting the inclusive
approach that welcomed and supported individuals from diverse
backgrounds.
The turnout and employer
engagement were a testament to the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap
between job seekers and local businesses, contributing to the region's
economic growth. By facilitating meaningful connections and providing
essential language support, this event furthered the mission of
empowering individuals and strengthening the workforce in South Central
Kentucky.
N. Kentucky - Transportation Options for Success
A new transportation option is now available to
help Campbell County residents get to work, appointments, and other
destinations. TANK Plus is a flexible, on-demand option that will pick riders
up at their homes and transport them within a designated zone. The service can
also be used to connect passengers to transfer points for travel outside of the
zone.
The designated zone covers most of
Fort Thomas and Cold Spring as well as parts of Newport, Highland
Heights, and Alexandria. “The purpose of the service is to provide
access for areas of Campbell County that are not serviced by our
traditional bus routes," said the TANK Manager of Marketing.
There are two TANK Plus
vehicles. They are smaller than full-size busses, and riders must
schedule their pick-up. Scheduling is available through a special
application or by calling TANK at 859.331.8265. The link to the
application is here.
N. Kentucky – “Youth First" Program (State Legislative Funded Initiative)
Using funding available through Northern
Kentucky’s share of $20 million over two years appropriated by the state
legislature, the NKADD Workforce Development Division has hired a Youth
Navigator for the Youth First Program. The goal of the program is to prepare
unemployed and out-of-school youth aged 16 to 24 for the workforce. NKY has
about 5,600 young people in that category.
The
Youth Navigator will work directly with schools and institutions to
help identify and connect youth to training and employment
opportunities. Several new initiatives are already in progress,
including an innovative in-school apprenticeship that will prepare
Carroll County youth for jobs with Carrollton Utilities.
“This
is part of a statewide initiative being called 'Putting Young
Kentuckians to Work,'" said an NKADD Associate Director of Workforce
Development. “Locally, we are using the name 'Youth First.'…"
They
added, “Youth First is a great opportunity for companies needing workers
now to partner with us. The flexibility of this program enables us to
deliver services without some of the restrictions inherent in our other
funding sources."
Lincoln Trail – Out of School Youth Success
A young single mother was determined to secure
employment that would provide a sustainable income for herself and her child.
Recognizing the potential of the healthcare field, she set her sights on
becoming a Clinical Medical Assistant—a role in high demand in her area.
She
understood that further training was necessary to pursue her career
goals and enrolled in a program offered by MedCertify. She successfully
completed her training in October 2023, which paved the way for an
internship at Ohio County Family Care as a Medical Assistant. There she
began earning $16.75 per hour on November 27, 2023.
Her
dedication and hard work paid off when she passed her state exam and
obtained certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant on February 1,
2024. Her internship at Ohio County Family Care blossomed into a
full-time position, providing her with stability and a promising career
path.
Reflecting on her journey, she
expressed profound gratitude for the support and opportunities provided
by the Kentucky Career Center and MedCertify. She credited these
organizations for giving her the chance to further her education and
build a better future for herself and her son. She also extended her
thanks to the Beaver Dam Nursing and Rehab Center, where she gained
valuable experience during her internship.
With
her newfound confidence and qualifications, she looked forward to
embracing the opportunities that lay ahead, knowing that she had the
support of those who believed in her along the way.
Lincoln Trail WIOA education assistance
A
woman completed her GED from Hardin County Adult Education in 2019 at
the age of 36 and knew she wanted to further her education. She
immediately enrolled in the Associate of Arts Degree program at
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, relying on federal
financial aid to fund educational costs.
She
wanted to pursue a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences
from Western Kentucky University and reached out for financial guidance,
enrolling in WIOA Title I in 2021 to assist with training costs. During
the final semester of her program, she was placed in an unpaid
internship through the Department of Human Services. Coincidentally, she
was placed at the Kentucky Career Center, the same place where she had
received guidance for her own path.
With
the assistance of WIOA Title I funding, she successfully completed her
Bachelor of Science Degree in 2023 and was offered a full-time position
with CareerTEAM, the direct services provider for WIOA Title I. She now
offers others the same opportunities she received through WIOA. She has
excelled in her role and has been asked to speak at the Adult Education
graduation ceremony as an inspiration to others. In the fall of 2024,
she enrolled in the Master's in Organizational Leadership Program at
Western Kentucky University. She has been one of the greatest examples
of pursuing an education, no matter the age.
Lincoln Trail - K12 Apprenticeship / Statewide First Leads to “Dream Job" for Grayson County HS Grad (Leitchfield, KY)
Even
as a kindergartner at Clarkson Elementary, Leanne Riggs already knew
she wanted to become a teacher. “I always loved school. I had good
teachers. And then in 5th grade, we started talking about social
studies, and I loved it so much," she shared.
It
was at that point she decided “I'm going to go to WKU, and I'm going to
come back to Grayson County, and I'm going to be a high school history
teacher."
That childhood dream became
reality this school year as Riggs became the first in Kentucky to
complete the K12 Education Apprentice Track, offered by Grayson County
High School. After graduating from Western Kentucky University in May,
she is now in her “dream job" teaching social studies at her alma mater.
Through
its Career and Technical Education pathways and in partnership with
WKU, GCHS has been a pioneer in developing and growing the
apprenticeship program, a newer approach that provides aspiring
educators with hands-on, work-based teaching opportunities while still
in high school. It also gives them a practical leg-up once they enter
college.
“Being the first one in the state
to complete the internship is such an honor. I'm really thankful that I
get to represent Grayson County in bringing awareness to the teacher
apprenticeship program that we have here. I think Grayson County's
program is something other schools and districts can model for aspiring
teachers."
Riggs was slated to begin the
pathway coming out of her sophomore year. The journey was postponed when
COVID-19 hit, but she found a silver lining. “That summer between my
sophomore and junior year, there was nothing to do. Everybody was on
lockdown, so I just went ahead and took 2 summer classes that year. My
junior and senior year, I had a full, high school schedule and a full
college schedule, earning dual credit."
The
hands-on part of the apprenticeship began in earnest her senior year,
along with classmates Jaden Forsyth and Ashley Dotson who are continuing
in the program, both in college and in the classroom.
As
with any first-time venture, there were a lot of unknowns. Riggs
credits Grayson County Technology Center Director Matt Hayes for his
belief in the opportunity and positivity in navigating the journey.
Whatever came up he just said, “We'll figure it out. We'll make it
happen."
The opportunity for hands-on
teaching experience was something most education majors don't often have
until student teaching later in college. Riggs senior year at GCHS was
packed with teacher life and guidance from Family & Consumer Science
teacher Cody Mooneyhan.
“We did lesson
plans. We actually taught the lesson plans. Sometimes we would make
lesson plans for her, for other teachers. We made bulletin boards. We
filed attendance notes. You name it."
Even
with her goal of being a high school teacher, Riggs said it was
“nerve-wracking" to be in front of a classroom teaching her peers and
classmates.
“I had freshmen to seniors,
and they were people I went to school with, so I was a little nervous.
Ms. Mooneyhan was in the class with us, and I learned a lot about class
management skills from her." Riggs credits those experiences with
helping her get out of her comfort zone, thinking, “if I can teach
people I go to school with, I can teach anybody. It really built up a
lot of confidence."
Her college peers were
amazed at the level of preparation and support she received through the
pathway. Her experience with lesson planning and other assignments made
her stand out to her professors, as well.
Riggs
was able to skip her first round of clinicals with WKU because of all
the experience she gained at GCHS. It's also led to the possibility of
credit hours towards a master's degree through WKU that's currently
being explored. She's considering social studies, “so I could teach
dual credit social studies classes here." For any student looking to
pursue a career in teaching, Riggs gives the program a solid stamp of
approval.
“Do it. And do it all the way,"
she emphasized. “It was so beneficial for me. I earned a lot of
opportunities, earned clinical credit, and got to have so many
experiences even before starting my teaching career."
“I'm
fresh out of college, I got my dream job. With more and more
opportunities coming together, it's definitely something to take
advantage of. And the experience just really builds up your confidence."
West Kentucky Veteran Employment Success
A
veteran was working through the options at the end of her military
service and needed help to transition into civilian life. It was a
difficult path, filled with many obstacles, but along the way she found
organizations to help her navigate the process, including the West
Kentucky Workforce Board.
Staff began
encouraging her to consider different types of employment, including
manufacturing. She was unsure and questioned why a manufacturer would
hire her when she had no skills or industrial experience. She quickly
learned that while she might not have certain craft skills, her training
and leadership skills gained in the military were a perfect fit. She
was hired by a major company as the Senior Specialist of Team Member
Relations and Development in the human resources department.
For
her, the new position is the job she never expected to have, much less
love. She credits her success as part of a multi-organization,
multi-person, and multi-step process, but confidently states that the
West Kentucky Workforce Board's services became the buoy in the
emotional and mental 'storm' she was suffering. Her life today would not
be possible without their support.
West Kentucky Adult Services
A
single mother of three was struggling to make ends meet. She was
working at a child care center while attending a local university and
trying to complete a degree in social work. When she learned about the
West Kentucky Workforce Board potentially helping with the cost of her
tuition through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, she
arranged to meet with a WIOA Career Coach. She was determined eligible
for WIOA Adult funds.
She worked closely
with her academic advisor and her WIOA Career Coach, utilizing all
available resources. She obtained her degree in May 2024 and was hired
by the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, beginning work
at their Graves County office in September 2024. She now earns a salary
of $28 an hour and no longer needs public assistance to provide for her
family.
West Kentucky – Wagner Peyser
A
job seeker came into the Paducah Career Center in May for assistance
with filing an unemployment claim. She had been discharged from her
teller position at a local bank. She depended on those wages to help
cover bills and rent that Social Security Income couldn't cover. It was
evident that she needed assistance with finding a new job.
She
came into the center several times a week to conduct online job
searches, but wasn't getting many interviews or job offers. She signed
up for job services and requested all the assistance the Office of
Career Development could provide. She simply wanted a job that would
help lessen the burden of her financial responsibilities.
Her
job search coach discussed her skills, barriers, and goals as a job
seeker. They updated her resume and encouraged her to attend the Tuesday
Job Fairs at the Center. She agreed and began attending job fairs,
enjoying the opportunity to speak with employers. Eventually, she
received interest from employers and began interviewing. After a lot of
hard work, she shared the news that she had received a position with a
local school district as an instructional assistant.
Her
career coach invited her to the Paducah Career Center one more time so
she could ring the job bell, like so many others before her. She gladly
rang the bell, celebrating another successful job seeker.
West Kentucky – NDWG Assistance
A
worker had been employed at a local business for almost four years
when, on January 4, 2023, the company announced it was ceasing its
operations. With no advanced notice of the shutdown, he had to make
decisions quickly and began looking for ways to get new skills.
He
met with a Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Career Coach and
discovered that as a Dislocated Worker, he qualified for the National
Dislocated Worker Tornado Relief Grant. This grant would allow the West
Kentucky Workforce Board to provide tuition assistance for him to pursue
CDL training at a local community college. Excited by the opportunity,
he knew that becoming a CDL driver would provide him employment
opportunities to support his family.
He
passed the required pre-training physical and drug screen and began CDL
coursework on March 5th – just a few weeks after losing his job. He
quickly passed his CDL permit test and earned his CDL license by March
27th. One month later, armed with his new license, he was hired by a
logistics company.
West Kentucky – In-School Youth Success
In
July 2023, Nilyn Perry was about to become a high school senior at
Christian County High School. She was unemployed and basic skills
deficient. She decided to enroll in certified nursing aid/medical
nursing aid course at the high school's Gateway Academy. She hoped that
the class would help her achieve her dream of becoming a nurse while
building her academic skills.
Gateway Academy receives Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act funding from the West Kentucky Workforce Board.
Throughout
her senior year, Nilyn attended tutoring to boost her math and reading
skills, ensuring she graduated on time. Her post-TABE scores reached the
highest level. She participated in various transition activities
preparing her for life after high school including learning about
college applications, federal financial aid, resumes, and interview
techniques. Nilyn also engaged in leadership training, helping peers
with service projects and school clubs.
Her
hard work paid off. Nilyn graduated on May 16, 2024, with MNA/CNA
license. She also enrolled at Hopkinsville Community College and
received scholarships to help pay for her tuition. She is now employed
at Charter Senior Living in Hopkinsville.
Nilyn
shared, “The WIOA program and its small class settings helped me
understand that by leveraging scholarships and tuition reimbursement, I
could become an RN while working as a CNA. I can achieve my long-term
goal debt-free and look forward to a fulfilling career in healthcare."
Out-of-School Youth Partner Success
At
21 years old, Aaliyah Dulaney was working as a cashier at a local
fast-food restaurant earning $12 an hour. She was unable to begin
building an independent life and wanted more for herself. She knew that
she wanted to work in healthcare but did not know where or how to begin.
She visited West Kentucky Community College's Team Launch which
receives Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds from
the West Kentucky Workforce Board to serve out-of-school youth ages
18-24.
Working with a Team Launch Career
Coach, Aaliyah discovered that she wanted to work in healthcare. She
enrolled and then graduated from an Emergency Medical Services course
with KenTenn EMS in the spring of 2023.
Today,
Aaliyah is employed at Mercy Regional Ambulance Services as an EMT. She
is pursuing additional training so that she can become a paramedic. She
has gotten an apartment and purchased her first car. Through her own
determination and the support of the Workforce Innovation &
Opportunity Act, she is overcoming barriers. She is thriving as an EMT
and now in school to pursue her dream to become a paramedic.
West Kentucky Wrap Around and Support and Career Services– Right Choice
In
early 2023, Austin Lanham found himself at a crossroads. With two
active court cases, he was mandated to participate in the Right Choice
Program from the West Kentucky Workforce Board. Feeling uncertain about
the future, Austin decided to embrace this opportunity as a turning
point in his life.
Through Right
Choice, Austin received guidance and support that helped him to focus on
building a stable and promising future. The program provided him with
job training, life skills development, and a support network that
believed in his potential for positive change. He has now found
employment with Ponderosa Farms in Murray, KY. With a stable income of
$15 an hour, Austin has been able to pay his child support in full.
Eastern
Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) Celebrates Success of
eKAMI Graduates in, Entering New Careers in Advanced Manufacturing
Eastern
Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) congratulates the
recent graduates of the East Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute
(eKAMI) on the successful completion of their training on Friday, July
19, in Paintsville. This accomplishment marks a significant step forward
for these individuals as they embark on rewarding careers in advanced
manufacturing.
EKCEP is proud to have
played a role in supporting 19 of these graduates through the agency's
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding. EKCEP provided
$133,000 in tuition assistance, helping ensure these individuals could
access the specialized training offered by eKAMI. Additionally, EKCEP
allocated $8,300 in supportive services, which included transportation
assistance and other resources to help students overcome potential
barriers to participation.
Since eKAMI's inception, EKCEP has supported 221 Eastern Kentuckians as they trained for careers in advanced manufacturing.
“We
are thrilled to see another successful graduating class from eKAMI,"
said EKCEP Executive Director Becky Carnes-Miller. “They are playing a
pivotal role in helping train workers to enter careers in an in-demand
sector like advanced manufacturing, and we applaud the graduates for
their hard work and dedication and wish them the best of luck in their
new careers."
EKCEP recognizes the
importance of investing in workforce development initiatives that equip
individuals with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand industries
like advanced manufacturing. The success of these graduates exemplifies
the impact of such programs in preparing workers for today's economy.
Each
of the 19 graduates supported through EKCEP funding has moved on to
immediate employment, including a dislocated worker, who is beginning a
career with Snap-On Tools. The individual received tuition assistance
and supportive services from Big Sandy Area Community Action Program, a
Kentucky Career Center JobSight partner that provides WIOA services
under contract with EKCEP.
“It has helped
out a lot because Big Sandy has helped whenever I needed it," the
dislocated worker said. “Like say, I was low on gas and didn't have the
money to get it, they'd help get the money to me if I needed any help.
Like getting ready to move for my job, they would help me out and help
get me situated. They helped out a whole lot in the process."
Those
services were also crucial for another dislocated worker, who is making
the move to Snap-On after graduation, and echoed the notion that
support from Big Sandy was an important part of the process, especially
assistance with transportation.
“That was
really important," said the dislocated worker, before adding that
assistance from Big Sandy Career Advisor Jaime Welch “helped out
tremendously."
Both dislocated workers agreed that the training from
eKAMI and support there, such as access to hiring employers, were also
critical to their success.
“We didn't have
to look for jobs or anything," the dislocated worker said. “As soon as
[advanced manufacturing employers] heard that a new batch of students
were here, they came in ready for an interview. If anybody is wanting to
try getting into this line of work, get with Big Sandy and eKAMI…
They'll get you set."
East Kentucky - Apprenticeships Work
EKCEP's
registered apprenticeship program has opened doors to a promising
future for a local resident, a recent high school graduate who is making
waves in the city of Beattyville as a water treatment operator
apprentice.
The individual had been
participating in a work program with the City of Beattyville since
April, funded by the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program
(EKCEP), when Stephanie Bowman, a WIOA business services consultant, saw
an opportunity. Bowman, who works with Middle Kentucky Community Action
Agency as part of EKCEP's KCC JobSight network, approached Beattyville
Mayor Scott Jackson about creating a water treatment operator
apprenticeship. This apprenticeship would be a collaborative effort
supported by EKCEP's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
funding and the Kentucky Rural Water Association.
Mayor
Jackson, recognizing that the number of qualified water treatment
operators is drastically declining due to retirement, said he had
already been looking to fill open roles in the city's water department,
making the apprenticeship opportunity a good fit. Mayor Jackson said he
was impressed by the local resident's work ethic and eagerness to learn
and recommended them for the opportunity. The local resident was
immediately eager to get started. Their interest in chemistry and desire
for a fulfilling career in their local community made the water
department a strong fit.
“I absolutely
believe that what I am learning right now will definitely help in
securing a career in the future," the local resident said. “There's a
lot of things that go into this. A lot of technical and mathematical
aspects, computer science. I believe that this is a great stepping stone
into any career."
EKCEP's apprenticeship
program uniquely benefits both employers and job seekers by offering
paid positions where apprentices like the local resident receive
on-the-job training as well as financial assistance for their formal
education/certification. EKCEP is bridging the gap for job seekers
entering long-term careers, while also helping employers find qualified
and skilled candidates to meet specific needs.
The
local resident has proven to be dependable and easily trainable, Mayor
Jackson noted, adding that once the local resident obtains their
operator's license, they will be making good money with benefits such as
insurance and retirement plans provided by the city.
Mayor
Jackson expressed his gratitude for the program, recognizing its
potential to fill future needs for the city. “I would really say this is
one of the best programs I've ever seen," he said. “The local resident,
they're exceptional. They're very smart, they're low-key, and they're
very precise in what they do."
Both
gentlemen emphatically agreed that if you need a job, or you're an
employer and need qualified workers, you should check with your local
Kentucky Career Center JobSight office to see what services might be
available.
The local resident's success
story showcases the power of an apprenticeship collaboration, community
resources, and personal dedication. As they continue to grow in their
role, they are making a positive impact in Beattyville and inspiring
others to pursue their career aspirations as well.
KentuckianaWorks recognizes Masonic Homes Kentucky's commitment to its frontline workers with the first Workforce Investor Badge
Michael
Gritton, Executive Director of KentuckianaWorks, presented the team at
Masonic Homes Kentucky with the Workforce Investor Badge, a new award
for Louisville region employers that are making concerted efforts to
invest in their frontline workers.
“Masonic
Homes Kentucky is a shining example of a local employer that listens to
the needs of its workers and offers them strong, fulfilling career
pathways," said Gritton, who runs the 7-county Louisville region's
workforce development board. “We've seen that when organizations embrace
the principles of quality jobs, everyone benefits from improved
employee wellness and retention. The Workforce Investor Badge is our way
of recognizing Masonic Home Kentucky's efforts and encouraging others
to embrace this way of doing business."
With
support from the National Fund for Workforce Solutions,
KentuckianaWorks has partnered with local employers to help them explore
and adopt evidence-based workplace policies and practices that reduce
employee turnover and burnout and increase engagement. Masonic Homes
Kentucky, a long-time nonprofit leader in aging care and partner in this
job quality project, implemented multiple policies to better support
its workforce, including offering employees bus passes and phone plans.
“It's
very important to work at a place that shows that they care for their
employees," said Sherita Parr, a Housekeeping Supervisor at Masonic
Homes Kentucky. “That bus card helped me for the first year to get back
and forth from work."
“Our employees
deliver remarkable service to our residents every day. Then, they go
home and take care of their families. We want to help our employees by
hopefully removing some of the worry and financial stress associated
with basic needs like reliable transportation and phone service. Taking
care of our employees is the right thing to do," said Chief Executive
Officer J Scott Judy, Masonic Homes Kentucky.
The
Workforce Investor Badge was developed in partnership with Canopy
Kentucky and is an acknowledgement that an organization is serious about
offering high-quality employment. While there is no one-size-fits-all
definition of what makes a high-quality job, KentuckianaWorks relies on
the National Fund for Workforce Solutions' Job Design Framework and the U.S. Labor and Commerce Departments' Good Job Principles as guides.
“We
are grateful to Masonic Homes Kentucky for allowing us to showcase the
many benefits of looking critically at frontline roles and how they
might better serve the individuals who hold them," added Aleece Smith,
who leads KentuckianaWorks' job quality initiatives as the
organization's Director of Inclusion and Sector Strategies.
What's behind the badge's coffee pour imagery?
Coffee
is a common workplace ritual that encourages taking a break to build
community and practice kindness. The pouring is meant to evoke the
concept of “bucket filling." In this context, the bucket-fillers are
employers, managers, and other colleagues who act in a way that fills an
employee's metaphorical bucket by offering the resources and support
they need.
To learn more about the Workforce Investor Badge, visit kentuckianaworks.org/badge.
KentuckianaWorks – WIOA Youth Region SPOTlight
A
local resident enrolled at The Spot on July 15, 2019, to complete their
workshops and to receive guidance and support to go to college. They
live in Bullitt County but are from England and moved here in January of
2019. They knew they were most interested in the medical field and
started taking classes at JCTC in the Fall of 2020. They continued at
JCTC until transferring to Sullivan University in the Summer of 2022.
They completed their Associates of Science degree in Nursing from
Sullivan University on March 17, 2024. They have been working in the
medical field while attending college, are happily married, and enjoy
spending time with their spouse and stepson.
The individual recently started a new job at University of Louisville Hospital making $36.20/hour.
Bluegrass Area – WIOA Services to Career Success
A
local resident came to the Kentucky Career Center seeking help with
finding a new career and a better path than their past in March of 2024.
In their assessment with TDS, they indicated, "I want to come into work
and feel important, like I am changing people and helping." After the
assessment with all the information provided and their interest, it was
agreed that the individual should focus their career path on Business
Administration. This career path gave them the opportunity to help
others with customer interactions and to feel important when they come
into work, as opposed to past jobs where they wore a uniform or other
apparel that made them feel like just a number.
With
the help from the WIOA program, the individual enrolled at MedCertify
for Business Administration in April 2024. To date, they are doing well
in their studies and on the right road to obtaining their certificate.
They were offered an internship position at the Kentucky Career Center
for the Front Desk Receptionist. They successfully completed their
internship on August 9th, 2024, with praise from all the people they
interacted with and leadership. They and TDS then updated their resume
to reflect the internship and to add their active training. The
individual applied for an open Youth Talent Development Specialist with
Equus Workforce on behalf of the Kentucky Career Center-Bluegrass, where
they were offered the position and now work right alongside the
Lexington Team at the Career Center. TDS is very proud of their
accomplishments and will continue to advocate for their ongoing success.
The
individual has overcome many obstacles in their life, including past
drug addiction, working temporary jobs, and job-hopping, to become Peer
Support Certified, change their personal and career focus, and ask for
help. They have obtained their career goal with a position that fulfills
their inner goal of feeling important and helping others.
Bluegrass Area - Quest Grant Partnership Success
A
local resident visited the KCC while residing at Shepherd's House as a
participant for the Quest Grant Partnership with Clay Ingels. They
successfully completed their paid work experience with Clay Ingels and
were offered full-time employment with a pay increase. They are grateful
for this opportunity the Kentucky Career Center has provided them.
Bluegrass Area - Recovering Addict – Second Chance
A
local resident was a participant enrolled through the Quest Grant
partnership between Clay Ingels and Shepherd's House. Their quote is:
“The
opportunity that I have had with the Career Center has given a
recovering addict and a five-time convicted felon the chance to provide
for my children and be a sober dad. Never in my life could I have
imagined that I'd have 401K, health benefits, and earn $17/hour with the
ongoing opportunities to continue to move up in pay and position. I am
truly blessed to have gone through the Career Center. Change is
possible!"
Statewide Initiative – Everybody Counts
Everybody
Counts is a dynamic initiative that provides a clear pathway to success
for qualifying seniors graduating from participating Kentucky school
districts. The initiative benefits graduating seniors, businesses, local
communities, and Kentucky's economy.
With
the assistance of Everybody Counts Career Coaches, young Kentuckians
choose their post high school path so that they can hit the ground
running upon graduation. They can choose whether to start a career with a
leading Kentucky company, take advantage of application and scholarship
support to attend a Kentucky college or university, or engage in an
earn-and-learn opportunity like apprenticeship.
Currently,
Everybody Counts supports Fayette County, Franklin County, Jefferson
County, Scott County, and Shelby County school districts.
Everybody Counts 2024-2025 Goals and Programming
Increase
the percentage of Everybody Counts-supported high school seniors
enrolling in post-secondary education and/or training, including
college, vocational training, apprenticeships, etc. within one year of
graduation.
Provide funds to
support the 'Be the Change' scholarship and Skill Development
scholarships for Fayette County High School graduates.
Deliver
Registered Apprenticeship activities and events in collaboration with
the Office of Employer and Apprenticeship Services
Create
specific in-school activities and events for career exploration
throughout the school year supporting seniors' post-graduation pathway
planning.
Deliver access and support services one-year post-graduation for high school graduates in supported school districts.