OCTC Recognizing Manufacturing & Healthcare Students for GOING PRO

Tuesday, APril 23

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (04/16/2024) — On April 1, 2024 the Kentucky Community and Technical College System held a kickoff event at the state capitol with students and graduates who are "Going Pro" and beginning their professional careers. Lawmakers, partners, and industry leaders gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to launch "Kentucky's Talent Take-off," celebrate thousands of KCTCS students and graduates committing to high-demand careers.

A crucial tool in Kentucky's efforts to combat a national workforce shortage, KCTCS is celebrating Kentuckians who are investing in their futures and the future of the commonwealth as part of the activities for Community College Month.

The OCTC events are scheduled for Tuesday, April 23 in the Industry Innovation Center. OCTC will celebrate with Advanced Manufacturing students and employers at 7:30 a.m. followed by an afternoon session to honor Healthcare Career students slated for 3 p.m.

"We plan to expand this event yearly to celebrate all our students and employer partners. This is a great way to demonstrate that OCTC is a worthy investment of a student's time and resources. Working hand in hand with our employers allows us to align the skills we teach with local business and industry," commented OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams.

As Kentucky's economy continues to grow, more students and businesses are partnering with KCTCS to upskill and train future generations of workforce leaders. In the past year alone, KCTCS colleges supported more than 54,000 jobs in Kentucky and graduated more than 16,000 students in key sectors, including healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, logistics and business services.

"The Commonwealth has plenty of job openings everywhere, and, as a result, we need even more Kentuckians equipped with the much-needed tools and skills to succeed in the workplace," KCTCS President Ryan Quarles said. "KCTCS 'Going Pro' Signing Day is proof positive that local community colleges are among the state's strongest resources to meet employer demand - and that KCTCS is the Bluegrass's premier workforce solution and a jobs juggernaut."

Industry leaders play a crucial role in identifying partnerships and building proactive training across the KCTCS network of colleges and campuses. Partners from the Education and Labor Cabinet, the Cabinet for Economic Development, the Kentucky Chamber, and the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers joined KCTCS to recognize talent and employers Monday. The system is also working closely with the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky, the Kentucky Association of Economic Development, the Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs and the Council on Postsecondary Education.

Of note, students interested in a high-demand career can take the first step by starting their application here. Moreover, businesses looking to grow or upskill their workforce can do so by partnering with KCTCS Workforce Solutions. For more information about OCTC's GOING PRO events, please contact Bernie.Hale@kctcs.edu.

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