Governor Bevin has officially kicked off a $100 million statewide bond program focusing on enhancing workforce development. The Work Ready Skills Initiative seeks to better align education programs with workforce needs.
Danville Chamber of Commerce Director Paula Fowler says about two dozen manufacturers are found in Boyle, Mercer, and Garrard counties. She says the advanced manufacturing technician program at Blue Grass Technical and Community College got up and running in 13 months. “We’re actually looking at are there other programs like that that we need to be implementing. And that takes money, and it takes resources and it takes bricks and mortar.”
Fowler says many industries continue to seek out skilled welders and welding fabricators. The state’s work ready initiative requires a ten percent funding match by local partners. The bond fund is expected to infuse money to expand education facilities and upgrade equipment.?