S. Central KY - Adult Services / RESEA Success
Vanessa
Nelson spent much of her career in temporary positions. She sought
stability but found it elusive. Her journey took a significant turn when
she was 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 Vanessa; She had been laid off from job at
NASCO on March 1, 2024.
Vanessa faced a
series of challenges as she actively sought new employment. She could
not secure a permanent role.. She expressed her desire for stable,
long-term employment during her discussions with her Career Advisor. The
advisor noted Vanessa's needs and aspirations, then introduced her to
the Work Experience Program. The Career Advisor also took the initiative
to update Vanessa's resume which was shared with one of Career TEAM's
new partners, The Dove Healing Center.
The
Dove Healing Center welcomed Vanessa and provided her with constructive
and meaningful work experience and training activities. Through this
program, Vanessa was able to gain new skills and enhance her
employability and confidence. Impressed by her dedication and growth,
Dove Healing Center decided to offer Vanessa a full-time position.
Vanessa
started her new job on July 22, 2024. Vanessa was elated and expressed
her 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 like Vanessa achieve
their goals of stable, permanent employment.
S. Central KY - Re-Entry Success
Michael
Barnhart's journey to employment was marked by significant challenges.
He'd been released from the Department of Corrections after serving 14
months, and was determined to rebuild his life. Before his
incarceration, was let go from Manga, then he made several decisions
that led to his current situation: living at SOKY Sober Living and
facing unemployment.
With a weekly rent of
$135 and no means to pay it, Michael was under immense stress. He
lacked transportation and relied on rides from others or walking to get
around. Despite these obstacles, Michael was resolute in his goal to
re-enter the workforce as quickly as possible. He turned to the career
center for employment services and rental assistance.
Michael's
Career Advisor stepped in to provide comprehensive support. Michale was
enrolled in WIOA Supportive Services, and received rental assistance,
which eased his worries about becoming homeless. Additionally, his
advisor helped him update his resume and assisted him with job searches.
Recognizing that Michael lacked interview attire, the Career Advisor
also arranged for supportive services to address this need.
Michael's
career goal was to become a plumber. His CA guided him in applying to
Stewart Richey Commercial Plumbing. With newfound confidence, Michael
attended an interview with Stewart Richey and successfully secured the
position.
Michael expressed his
appreciation for the support and guidance, stating, "Hayley saw me as a
person and not just some bum off the streets, wanting handouts. She
really invested in me, and I am so thankful!"
Michael
Barnhart's story is a testament to the transformative power of
dedicated career advisors and supportive services. Through their
efforts, Michael was able to find stability, regain his 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," TANK Manager of Marketing Jenny
Kammes said.
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 Alexandria Kline as the Youth Navigator
for the Youth First Program. The goal of the program is to prepare
unemployed and out-of-school youth aged 16 to 24for the workforce. NKY
has about 5,600 young people in that category.
Ms.
Kline 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 NKADD Associate Director of Workforce Development Correy Eimer.
“Locally, we are using the name 'Youth First,'…"
Eimer 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
Maria,
a 20-year-old 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.
Maria
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.
Maria's
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, Maria
expressed profound gratitude for the support and opportunities provided
by Amy Leach at 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. Maria also extended
her thanks to Beaver Dam Nursing and Rehab Center, where she gained
valuable experience during her internship.
With
her newfound confidence and qualifications, Maria 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
Gracey
Vanzant 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
and enrolled 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 provided placement 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, Miss Vanzant 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 can offer 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, Miss Vanzant enrolled in the Master's in
Organizational Leadership Program at Western Kentucky University. Miss
Vanzant 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
Captain
Woods 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. Woods 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 Army were a perfect fit. She was
hired by Toyota Boshoku America on July 1, 2024, as the Senior
Specialist of Team Member Relations and Development with the human
resources department.
For Woods, her new
position is the job she never expected to have, much less love. She
credits her new success as a multi-organization, multi-person, and
multi-step process, but she 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
Talishia
is a single mom of three and was struggling to make ends meet. She was
working at a child care center while attending Murray State University
and trying to complete a degree in social work. When she learned about
the West Kentucky Workforce Board might help 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.
Talishia
worked closely with her Murray State academic advisor and her WIOA
Career Coach – utilizing all the resources they could provide. She
obtained her degree in May 2024 and was hired by the Kentucky Department
for Community Based Services where she began working at their Graves
County office on September 3, 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
Olga
came into the Paducah Career Center back in May for assistance with
filing an unemployment claim. She had been discharged from her teller
position from 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 Olga needed assistance with finding a new job to make ends
meet.
Olga 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. That would
help to better understand what jobs best matched her skills. They
updated her resume and encouraged her to begin attending the Tuesday Job
Fairs that occurred at the Center. Olga agreed and began attending job
fairs and enjoyed the opportunity to speak with the employers. She
received interest from employers and began interviewing. Finally, after a
lot of hard work, Olga called to share the news. She had received a
position with Calloway County Schools in Murray, KY. She would be an
instructional assistant.
Her career coach
asked her to come to the Paducah Career Center one more time. That way,
she could ring the job bell, like so many others before her. She came
and gladly rang the bell announcing another job seeker had found
employment. The staff at the Paducah Career Center are glad to be a part
of Olga's success.
West Kentucky – NDWG Assistance
Michael
had worked at Electro Cycle in Madisonville, Kentucky for almost four
years. On January 4, 2023, the company announced it was ceasing its
operations. For Michael, that meant he was losing his job. With no
advanced notice of the shutdown, he had to make decisions very 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, which would allow the West
Kentucky Workforce Board to provide tuition assistance for him to pursue
CDL training at Madisonville Community College. That excited Michael,
as he knew that being a CDL driver would provide him employment
opportunities that would support his family.
Michael
passed the required pre-training physical and drug screen and began CDL
coursework on March 5th – a few weeks after losing his job. He quickly
passed his CDL permit test. Then, on March 27th, he earned his CDL
license. One month later, armed with his new license, was hired Ryder
Integrated Logistics.
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 Johnson Countian Robert Andre, who is
beginning a career with Snap-On Tools. He 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," Andre
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 Haskel Frye, who is making the move to
Snap-On after his 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 Frye, a Johnson County resident, before adding that
assistance from Big Sandy Career Advisor Jaime Welch “helped out
tremendously."
Both Andre and Frye 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," Andre 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 Lee Countian Franklin Drake IV, a recent high school graduate
who is making waves in the city of Beattyville as a water treatment
operator apprentice.
Drake 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. Jackson said he was
impressed by Drake's work ethic and eagerness to learn and recommended
him for the opportunity. Drake was immediately eager to get started. His
interest in chemistry and desire for a fulfilling career in his 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," Drake 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 Franklin 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.
Drake has proven to
be dependable and easily trainable, Mayor Jackson noted, adding that
once Drake obtains his operator's license, he 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. “Franklin, he's exceptional. He's very smart,
he's low-key, and he's very precise in what he does."
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.
Drake's success story showcases
the power of an apprenticeship collaboration, community resources, and
personal dedication. As he continues to grow in his role, he is 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
Megan
enrolled at The Spot on July 15, 2019, to complete their workshops and
to receive guidance and support to go to college. She lives in Bullitt
County but is from England and moved here in January of 2019. She knew
she was most interested in the medical field and started taking classes
at JCTC in the Fall of 2020. She continued at JCTC until transferring to
Sullivan University in the Summer of 2022. She completed her Associates
of Science degree in Nursing from Sullivan University on March 17,2024.
She has been working in the medical field while attending college, is
happily married and enjoys spending time with her husband and stepson.
Megan recently started a new job at University of Louisville Hospital making $36.20/hour.
Bluegrass Area – WIOA Services to Career Success
Ms.
Angela Morris came to the Kentucky Career Center seeking help with
finding a new career and better path than her past in March of 2024. In
her Assessment with TDS Larry Lear, she indicated, "I want to come into
work and feel important, like I am changing people and helping". After
our Assessment with all the information she provided and her interest,
we both agreed that she should focus her career path on Business
Administration. This career path gave her the opportunity to help others
with customer interactions and to feel important when she comes into
work as she can dress for success unlike her past jobs where she wore a
uniform or other apparel that made her just feel like a number.
With
the help from the WIOA program, Angela enrolled at MedCertify for
Business Administration in April 2024; To date she is doing well in her
studies and on the right road to obtaining her certificate. She was
offered an internship position at the Kentucky Career Center for the
Front Desk Receptionist. She successfully completed her internship on
August 9th, 2024, with praise from all the people she has interacted
with and leadership. Ms. Morris and TDS L. Lear then updated her resume
to reflect the internship and to add her active training. She applied
for an open Youth Talent Development Specialist with Equus Workforce on
behalf of the Kentucky Career Center- Bluegrass where she was offered
the position and now works right alongside all the Lexington Team here
at the Career Center. TDS is very proud of her accomplishments and will
continue to advocate for her and to continue her success.
Ms.
Morris has overcome so many obstacles in her life from drug addiction
in her past, working temporary jobs and job-hopping to becoming Peer
Support Certified, changing her personal and career focus with asking
for that help! She has obtained her career goal with a position that
fulfills her inner goal of feeling important and helping others.
Bluegrass Area - Quest Grant Partnership Success
Eric
visited the KCC while residing at Shepherd's House as a participant for
the Quest Grant Partnership with Clay Ingels. He successfully completed
his paid work experience with Clay Ingels and was offered full time
employment with a pay increase. He is grateful for this opportunity the
Kentucky Career Center has provided him.
Bluegrass Area - Recovering Addict – Second Chance
Christopher
was a participant enrolled through the Quest Grant partnership between
Clay Ingels and Shepherd's House. His 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.