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Dislocated Worker – One door closed and a Window Opened
Travis
Wallace worked since the early age of 14 years old as an iron rod
buster. At first starting with smaller jobs, he worked his way to
supervising parts of the rebuild for the Twin Towers. He showed staff
pictures of him in huge fractures or segments of iron sectioned off, him
hanging upside down and crawling up the infrastructure. This is a
family tradition and most of the men in his family have worked in iron
at least one point in their life. He was tired of being away from home.
He applied for unemployment for the first time in a very long time. At
first, he was denied but again started receiving his benefits. He began
looking at this as an opportunity to begin something different. While on
a layoff, he checked into the center's services. We researched a few
companies in Lexington, updated a resume and he submitted an
application. One of the positions required a bachelor's degree is
necessary. He thought he would try to gain employment closer to home.
After several weeks, he has been offered a Supervisory role over some
major buildings around the Tri State area. He started his 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 effect their
life. For more information visit: https://kyrise.ky.gov.
Cheyenne
Turner is a new member to join the VOC because she saw issues in the
foster care system and wanted to do what she could to help create
positive change and support others. Cheyenne is currently a junior in
high school and will be graduating early in December 2024. She plans to
continue her education at Western Kentucky University beginning January
2025. She plans to study social work with the goal of becoming a trauma
therapist.
Autumn Dugan is the 2024 Exceptional Foster Alumni
Award recipient. She is 20 years old with two boys, 5 and 1. In 2023,
Autumn started the Earn & Learn program when she was pregnant with
her second child. She wanted to create a better life for herself, and
her children and the program gave her the motivation she needed. In the
spring of 2024, she finished the GED program as she faced postpartum
depression and a serious illness of her youngest son, however she wanted
to keep moving in the right direction for her. “Now I have my GED, my
license, closing on my vehicle soon and just enrolled in college," said
Autumn. She plans to become a hair and makeup artist by completing her
cosmetology license and opening her own salon. “I most definitely
recommend this program, I know if I can finish this thing, you
definitely can," said Autumn.
Cumberlands Area Dislocated Worker
We
registered William Davis for WIOA/NDWG to undergo CDL training.
Previously, he worked on a travel maintenance team. However, he put his
career on hold to care for his ill wife, who unfortunately passed away
within the first year. Mr. Davis used up his savings during the time he
spent caring for his wife. He decided not to return to travel-related
work and instead wanted to stay local and spend time with his grandkids.
After assessment and discussion, he opted for CDL training. Once he
completed the training, he was hired full-time as a heavy equipment
mover locally. He mentioned that our program had a lasting impact on his
life. His WIOA services were completed on 04/30/24.
Cumberlands Area WIOA Adult
Laura
Bastin was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on January 23, 2024. "This was
undoubtedly the scariest day of my life," Laura said. With only one
semester left to complete the associate degree Nursing (ADN) Program,
she immediately thought about school and how she would complete what she
had worked so hard for. Laura was always committed to the WIOA program,
following the procedure of monthly contact with her case manager. She
completed her ADN with honors in May 2024 and was named Somerset
Community Colleges Health Sciences Student of the Year. Laura is now
working as a registered nurse in the Emergency Room Department at Lake
Cumberland Regional Hospital. She completed WIOA services on 05/30/24.
Internship to Good Job Full-time Employment
Hannah
Jackson was juggling the demands of full-time nursing studies at
Somerset Community College when she enrolled in employment services
through her local Kentucky Career Center JobSight in Clay County, hoping
to find a job while continuing her studies. That decision paid off,
first with a paid internship and eventually a full-time job that allowed
her to gain real-world experience in healthcare while embarking on a
fulfilling career path.
Jackson learned about the career center
services in Manchester through a friend whose enrollment there led to a
job. Driven by her passion for caring for others, Jackson decided to
enroll and was paired with Jo Ann Nolan, an experienced career advisor
with Daniel Boone Community Action Agency (DBCAA) who connected Jackson
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 her
potential and dedication, Nolan quickly connected Jackson with Sheila
Asher, the clinic manager at AdventHealth. An interview was arranged,
and Asher offered Jackson an internship.
Upon completing her
internship, AdventHealth Manchester offered Jackson a full-time
position. She continues to work there while pursuing her nursing degree.
Jackson's 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
Justin
Peters graduated from college with a degree in computer information
systems. A native of Jackson County, he wanted to start his career close
to home but assumed his options there might be limited.
He
visited the Kentucky Career Center JobSight at Daniel Boone Community
Action in McKee changed things for Peters. At the career center he
enrolled for employment services and was paired with a career advisor
who helped connect him with a local company with a good opportunity
available.
Peters was eligible for the career center's
out-of-school youth program. Since he didn't have a work history at the
time, Brewer contacted local employers that might fit his career
interest and eventually connected him with a work experience opportunity
with Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC), a telecommunications
company and internet provider headquartered in McKee. Brewer helped
Peters prepare for his interview with PRTC, and he was soon offered a
work experience position in the company's engineering department. As
part of his enrollment at Daniel Boone, the career center would help
cover Peters' wages for three months while he gained real-world
experience on the jobsite for PRTC.
PRTC offered him a part-time
position with the company after his initial three months. One year after
graduating college, PRTC hired him as a full-time engineering tech.
Peters
has since moved to Owsley County and continuing his job with PRTC. It's
a career, he noted, that he likely would not have today had it not been
for his decision to enroll at the Kentucky Career Center JobSight.
Dislocated Worker Success
Lee
Countian Winston Tyler Hogan was laid off for the winter from his job
as head equipment operator in late 2023; his employer made it clear that
if he obtained a commercial driver's license (CDL), he would not only
have a new position available to him but also at a higher salary.
Hogan
knew what he needed to do. He had already obtained a learner's permit
but didn't have the funds to cover training costs for a full CDL. He
visited with the Kentucky Career Center JobSight at Middle Kentucky
Community Action he discovered a network of support that would provide
an opportunity for him to leap to a new career in the transportation
industry.
Upon connecting with his career advisor, Logan learned
that support from Middle KY not only provided guidance but also
alleviated financial barriers to accessing training and resources.
Because of his layoff, Hogan was eligible for services as a dislocated
worker, which meant the career center could cover the cost of training
for his CDL.
In May 2024, Hogan obtained his CDL and is currently
working in his field of choice, thanks to the assistance he received at
Middle KY. He noted that the career center services were a big help in
making sure he could return to work as quickly as he did. As he looks
toward the future, Hogan recommends 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
Sonya
struggled with addiction and her addiction led her to Brighton Recovery
Center. They helped her on her path to recovery, supported her in her
journey and showed her hope for the future.
Sonya was introduced
to the Kentucky Career Center after attending a Brighton Recovery WIOA
orientation at the Florence office. At a pivotal phase in her recovery,
she was preparing to reenter employment, which left her feeling
uncertain of opportunities that might be available to her. Sobriety was
her number one focus, so she knew she would need additional support
throughout the employment journey. Sonya attended orientation and
listened to the different programs that the KY Career Center had to
offer and decided that WIOA seemed like a great opportunity for her.
Sonya
began working with her Talent Development Specialist (TDS) for several
weeks to work out an Individual Career Plan. While completing this
career plan they explored many different career options, using an
interest profiler. Her Talent Development Specialist went over the
in-demand sectors in the Northern Kentucky region and explained
different positions that fall under those career pathways. It didn't
take Sonya long to realize that she wanted to work with others who were
on a path like her own. A resume was completed, interview skills were
offered, WIOA paperwork was completed, and Sonya's employment search
began with assistance from the TDS and the business services team.
Since
becoming WIOA eligible, Sonya gained employment and is now helping
others on their path to recovery at Brighton Recovery Center. Giving
back and lending a helping hand to others in recovery has made such a
difference in Sonya's own journey. Sonya hopes to continue working with
those in recovery now and in the future.
KentuckianaWorks Area - “The Spot" (Youth Service Center) Success stories
Jaylan
was enrolled into the Louisville WIOA program in June of 2023. He
expressed interest in doing an internship. He was placed at the
Prophecy Foundation where he completed his internship. Unfortunately,
after his internship, he was arrested and spent several months in jail.
Upon his release he returned to The Spot and was eager to pick up where
he left off, working toward obtaining a certification that would help
him find a good job. He signed up for Forklift Training with Goodwill
in April. Jaylan has earned a Forklift and Human Services
Certifications in April.
Shane enrolled with the
Career Center on 1/11/24. He was referred to them when his mother came
to the Hope Community Center for assistance. Since enrollment he has
completed Soft Skills, Good Start and RISE (Goodwill Industries programs
available to youth). He has also earned his customer service
certification and has completed applied digital skills. He is currently
doing an internship with Tri-County Community Action. His duties include
answering phones, greeting clients, taking messages and computer work.
He has really blossomed in this role and is no longer shy. He has a
wonderful smiling face when clients enter the building and hopes to
obtain a full-time position soon.
Tres enrolled
with us at The Spot back in April of 2023. At the completion of the
Thrive process he wasn't sure what he wanted to do. He only had one
section of the GED test to complete but his anxiety and depression kept
him from testing. After working with his career coach, he decided to
take advantage of some of the other workshops and credentialing The Spot
had to offer. Tres was able to get his Human Services and Motivational
Interviewing Certifications and his Customer Service Certificate. He
also participated in Taste of the Trades and Love Notes. He was
interested in going through professional development and getting an
internship, but he just didn't follow through. His mental health
continued to hold him back. His coach talked to him about taking
advantage of the mental and behavioral health services offered at The
Spot. Tres also decided he was ready for an internship. He was placed
at the Goodwill Store in Hill View and completed his internship in April
2024. He is continuing to work part time while he makes up his mind
what he wants to do next.
Jerome enrolled
in the program on 5/8/24. He was forced to drop out of high school a few
years ago after a tornado devastated his family's home and vehicles. He
dropped out of school to help his family pick up the pieces of what was
left of their home and relocated. Since enrolling, he has worked
incredibly hard to get through provided workshops. He has already
completed Soft Skills, Good Start, and RISE. Through access to our new
job shadow tool, Pathful Explore, he has expressed interest in becoming a
graphic designer. Today, he is completing an in-person job shadow today
that a facilitator helped coordinate. He has been working hard with
Oldham County service providers to get his GED and should be taking his
tests soon.
Jemara started coming to The Spot in
January 2024. At the time, she was struggling with housing insecurity
(couch surfing with friends, with no permanent housing). Since
beginning her journey, Jemara has shared the difficulties she
experienced growing up in the foster care system until age 5, and
previous criminal justice involvement. Jemara has utilized services and
worked with her Career Coach and Housing Career Coach to apply for a
Section 8 Voucher, completing the Thrive Process, completing a 200-hour
internship placement and Trades Exploration Training. Currently, Jemara
has registered for classes at Jefferson County Technical College (JCTC)
for the fall and plans to pursue a nursing track. She has been awarded a
Section 8 voucher and is starting a new job at the Parlor to maintain
her financial progress. Jemara loves learning and is excited to start
classes and about the progress she has made over the last several
months!
Adult Education Graduation Ceremony
On
Thursday, June 27th, Oldham County Adult Education held their GED
Graduation Ceremony. Oldham County has been our strongest county
partner in the region this year with 46 referrals, resulting in 27
enrollments. 9 of the 27 enrollees have obtained their GED, and 3
additional enrollees are just one test away from earning their GED.
Bullitt County School System Teacher Registered Apprenticeship
When
Dr. Lee Barger attended the WKU Teacher Apprenticeship Summit in early
Fall of 2023, he wasted no time in choosing a direction. By mid-Fall,
Dr. Barger had pulled together a team from JCTC and UofL to help craft
Bullitt County Public School Systems Teacher Registered Apprenticeship
Program. His 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
Donald's
history includes homelessness, drug use, and alcoholism, and violence
he encountered as a child. He recently was released from jail after
serving five years and needed essentials like clothes, shoes to begin
and wanted to secure a job. He walked into the Goodwill Opportunity
campus located in Louisville. Over the past months, Donald has
participated in the job readiness programs, gained skills provided to
re-enter the job market. His determination helped him acquire a job and
within two months, he was promoted to Team Lead.
Video Link to his story: Kentucky Career Center: Donald
Dislocated Worker – Skills 2 Succeed
Brett
was laid off from his long-time job. He sought assistance at a Kentucky
Career Center in the Green River Area. Brett's unemployment insurance
was running out and the arrival of a new baby was close. Brett decided
to pivot his career.
Brett
enrolled in 160 Driving Academy. He successfully obtained his
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit and through determination and
newly acquired skills secured a position with a trucking company in
Henderson, KY. Brett successfully started a new career, with a
prosperous future, and is home nights with his family.
Dislocated Worker – Skills 2 Succeed
Russell
Moorman visited the Kentucky Career Center seeking assistance with
filing for an unemployment claim. He met a Workforce Development
Specialist, who helped him complete the ID.Me registration process.
During
their interaction the specialist inquired if Russell was interested in
job seeker services. Russell expressed his desire to obtain a Commercial
Driver's License (CDL).
Staff told Russell about the Skills to
Succeed program provided by Equus Workforce Solutions (service provider)
for Dislocated Workers and spoke to him about the CDL training offered
by 160 Driving Academy. Russell showed great interest in the program,
and he was referred. Russell secured employment with his previous
company, which accommodated his training schedule to help him achieve
his goals.
Bluegrass Area
Youth Services Assistance
Betty
Cain visited the KCC Georgetown office for job search assistance. A
specialist helped build a resume and coach Betty on workplace soft
skills. Betty's barriers were that she was 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 Co. where Betty lived. After speaking with Edgemont
Healthcare regarding a housekeeping position and arranged an interview
for Betty. Soon after the interview Betty was offered the position in
her 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
Tyler
Brewer visited the Richmond Kentucky Career Center for job search
assistance. He was dislocated from the Army Depot in September 2023 and
was interested in working at Amteck. A specialist assisted Tyler with
getting his 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 Tyler started the Quick Start
Program and is going great!
Lloyd worked with a career specialist
to complete assessment and enrollment for WIOA Program offerings. Lloyd
indicated he had a passion for cooking/ becoming a chef and that he
spent much time volunteering at homeless shelters helping prepare food. A
business services specialist reached out to Lighthouse Ministries and
was able to get Mr. Carter on as a paid internship as a cook. Mr. Carter
was very happy about being able to make a difference in the lives of
others with his 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
Winston
Reeder, the owner of Live Wire Printing, has seen his 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 Lewis County Judge Executive George Sparks 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," Mr. Reeder 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. Mr. Reeder seized the opportunity
to network with various employers, a decision that 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, Mr. Reeder and his team have
not only expanded their client base but also solidified their presence
within the Lewis County business community. As Mr. Reeder looks ahead,
he remains optimistic about the future of Live Wire Printing. "We're
excited about what lies ahead," he 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)
Jalyn
Rogers was a high school graduate working at Food Lion as a stocker. He
knew that he wanted to go back to school and become a certified welder.
He 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.
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He
met with a career coach who partnered with Goodwill Industries of
Kentucky to help Jalyn to complete a paid-work experience. Goodwill
hired Jalyn at the completion of the work experience. Despite his new
position, he still wanted to become a certified welder. So, he applied
for a student loan and enrolled in a welding course. He continued to see
his career coach, who helped him stay on track to achieve his dream and
receive his American Welding Society certification. Jalyn is currently
employed at Marinera, an automotive manufacturing facility in
Hopkinsville, Kentucky as where he is employed as 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.
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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
Kimberly
Genis is a single mother of two. In December 2022, was unemployed and
had started attending West Kentucky Community and Technical College to
pursue a nursing degree. Without income, she was struggling keeping up
with the financial requirements of attending college. That's when 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.
Kimberly was an excellent
student. She 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
Lauren
Laster was working at MSSC, when the plant consolidated and begin
phasing elimination of their workforce. The layoffs at the Hopkinsville,
Kentucky facility were certified as Trade impacted by the US Department
of Labor. She was dislocated in March 2022.
She attended
Rapid Response activites offered by the West Kentucky Workforce Board
and learned that the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act could
help her earn a degree. She met with a WIOA Career Coach and enrolled at
Hopkinsville Community College majoring in Business. Lauren gained
full-time employment on May 20, 2024, with Pennyroyal Farm Analysis
Group, Inc. working as a Bookkeeper/Payroll Clerk.
Dislocated worker / RESEA class success
Sherry
Johnson was laid off from her job at Spring Creek Healthcare in Murray
on September 16, 2022. She participated in a RESEA class at the Paducah
Career Center and learned about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (WIOA). She had some college credits and was interested in
finishing her education. She met with a WIOA career coach and learned
the West Kentucky Workforce Board could assist her with tuition
assistance, as she was a dislocated worker. That is when she decided to
enroll in the Health Science Technology program at West Kentucky
Community & Technical College beginning in January 2023.
In
May 2024, she graduated with an Associates of Applied Sciences degree
and an Associates of Arts degree. While in school, she earned a
certificate in medical receptionist, data entry operator, phlebotomy and
health care worker. After graduation, she was hired by Calvert City
Convalescent Center increasing her wages from $12 an hour before she was
dislocated to $19.50 an hour.
Dislocated Elderly Veteran – Relocation Success
Jerry
is an elderly Veteran who was dislocated from his job. He visited the
Paducah Career Center seeking assistance filing an unemployment claim.
He had limited computer skills. He needed additional income to
compensate for bills that his Social Security benefits wouldn't cover.
He
didn't want to utilize a Career Coach at first. Staff taught him how to
conduct online job searches, however, he would get little response from
his applications. After a few unsuccessful weeks of search, he realized
he needed more help.
Jerry was assigned a career coach who
discussed his skills, barriers, and employment goals. His coach reviewed
his resume, making sure not to discount any of the skills he had
gathered over the years. He began attending the center's Tuesday Job
Fairs that occur each week. Through those events, he was able to speak
directly to human resource managers about their available positions. He
obtained a position, but soon discovered that it wasn't a good fit, so
he started coming back to the center, when one day he visited when
Railcrew Express was conducting interviews in the career center. His job
coach helped him apply and secured him an interview that same day.
Railcrew Express offered Jerry a position on the spot. He is currently
completing all the pre-employment requirements and is expecting to begin
his new position driving railroad crews to and from depots around the
area. He is excited to be a part of this exciting industry and can't
wait to begin.
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 our communities.
