Kentucky's Workforce Training Programs Ranked Among Top 10 in Nation
The importance of workforce training has never been greater. As companies think globally, it is imperative that Kentucky's workforce be the very best it can be to remain competitive and provide good jobs for its citizens. A recent publication of Expansion Management magazine ranked Kentucky’s workforce training programs among the best in the nation. With an 8th place finish, 2006 marks the fourth consecutive year Kentucky has placed in the Top 10.
The ranking is the result of a survey conducted by the magazine of corporate site location consultants from across the U.S. in which state programs were evaluated not only in terms of their financial value, but also in terms of ease of usage and applicability. Workforce training can often be the deciding factor when a company is evaluating its final list of potential locations for a new facility.
“Kentucky’s top ten ranking is a testament to its ability to provide companies with a well-trained, highly skilled workforce,” said Ken Krizner, managing editor of Expansion Management. “On-the-job training is no longer an option. Companies that are expanding and relocating want a workforce that is trained from the day operations begin. That type of workforce is available in Kentucky. That’s one reason why many companies considering an expansion or relocation put the commonwealth on their short list of potential sites, and why many of those companies ultimately choose Kentucky for their project.”
Highlighted in the July-August issue of Expansion Management is the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC), which is the primary agency within the Cabinet for Economic Development whose mission is to stimulate economic development through programs of skills training to meet the needs of business and industry.
So what is Kentucky doing to deserve this renowned standing? The Cabinet for Economic Development’s Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC) has built a strong reputation for meeting and exceeding industry needs for customized, flexible and industry-driven skills training. It achieves this by partnering with other employment and training organizations to tailor a comprehensive program of skills training services for new, expanding and existing Kentucky companies.
“We work closely with employers, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and Kentucky Adult Education to train workers in everything from basic computer skills, math, and reading to problem solving, communications, and teamwork, as well as more industry-specific skills,” said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Gene Strong. “We recognize that no two projects are the same. Our ability to provide the flexibility and customization that companies require sets us apart.”
Kentucky has strived to increase the ease at which companies can access these resources. The application process has been simplified greatly over the years and the entire process has been streamlined for greater efficiency. Staff is available to assist companies through every step from filling out the application to acting as a broker to connect companies with training providers.
Kentucky has made tremendous progress in preparing its workforce to meet the requirements of a global business economy. By continually improving the programs and processes for companies in need of workforce training, Kentucky will be able to meet the future demands of its client companies.
To learn more about our workforce training programs please call 502-564-2021, email ced.bsscgrp@ky.gov or visit www.thinkkentucky.com. |
