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OCTC Celebrates Workforce-Ready Graduates at 2026 Going Pro Manufacturing, Trades & Professional Skills Signing Day

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (04/23/2026) — Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) proudly recognized the next generation of skilled professionals during its 2026 Going Pro Manufacturing, Trades, and Professional Skills Signing Day, held April 14 in the Industry Innovation Center. The event celebrated graduating students entering high-demand careers while highlighting the strong partnerships between OCTC and regional employers, driving workforce development.

The Going Pro celebration showcases the successful transition of students from the classroom to the workforce, recognizing both student achievement and the employers investing in the region's future.

Accurity, LLC, represented by Clay Ellis and Duwayne Berry, honored Joseph Elijah Moore, who is graduating from the Welding Technology program.

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, represented by Maintenance Compliance Manager Clint Cummins, celebrated Kaleb Jones, who is completing the GO FAME Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program while also earning a degree in Electrical Technology.

Moore Automotive Hyundai Service Center recognized Caden Polites for graduating from the Automotive Technology program and beginning his career with their team.

Sun Windows Plant Manager Aaron Abbott honored Daniel Northenor, who is graduating with an Associate in Applied Science in Computer & Information Technologies.

UniFirst's Paula Schrecker was on hand to recognize Cole Greer, who is completing the GO FAME AMT program in Industrial Maintenance.

Additionally, Jacob Simon was recognized for completing the Tech X program and Going Pro with the United States Marine Corps.

Throughout the ceremony, student stories reflected the determination and resilience required to succeed in today's workforce. One graduate overcame the challenge of balancing full-time employment while attending school full-time, developing discipline and time management skills that prepared them for the demands of their career.

Another student faced the difficulty of learning entirely new technical skills with little prior experience, but through persistence and support from classmates and instructors, gained the confidence and hands-on ability needed to succeed in the field.

Many students credited OCTC faculty, mentors, and employer partners for their success. Instructors such as Marty Higdon and Andrew Austin, along with workplace mentors and supervisors, played a critical role in helping students build both technical expertise and professional confidence. Students also expressed gratitude to their families, coworkers, and success coaches who supported them through long hours, challenging coursework, and demanding schedules.

The Going Pro Manufacturing, Trades, and Professional Skills Signing Day highlights OCTC's commitment to aligning education with workforce needs. Through partnerships with local employers, students gain real-world experience and transition seamlessly into careers that strengthen the regional economy.

"This event represents the power of partnership and the value of hands-on education," said Dr. Scott Williams, President of OCTC. "Our students have developed the technical skills, work ethic, and determination needed to succeed in today's workforce. We are proud to work alongside our employer partners to create clear pathways from education to career, and we are excited to see the impact these graduates will make in our community and beyond."

For more information about OCTC programs or future Going Pro events, email bernie.hale@kctcs.edu.

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Owensboro Community & Technical College is one of the sixteen community and technical colleges that make up the Kentucky Community & Technical College System. OCTC serves the KY counties of Daviess, Hancock, Ohio and McLean. OCTC has three campuses in Daviess County and a Center and Annex in Hancock County. OCTC strives to serve the communities in the service area by providing associate degree education for transfer, state of the art technical education for students focusing on entering the workforce, customized business and industry solutions through the Workforce Solutions division, and adult education and business and industry testing through the SkillTrain unit.

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The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is the Commonwealth's largest postsecondary institution with 16 colleges and more than 70 campuses. We also are Kentucky's largest provider of workforce training and online education. Through partnerships with business and industry, we align our programs to meet the needs of local employers. We help students fulfill their dreams of creating a better life through programs that lead directly to jobs or help them transfer to one of our four-year partners.

Connect with OCTC: Owensboro.kctcs | Facebook.com/owensboroctc | Twitter@OCTC_Tweets | Instagram OwensboroCTC

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