OEJATC and OCTC Celebrating 10 Years of a Successful Partnership

72 graduates; 56 current students

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (11/18/2025) — The Owensboro Electrical JATC (OEJATC) thrives through the long-standing support of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1701, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)-now approaching their 75-year anniversary-and a decade of collaboration with Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC). Together, these partners proudly celebrate ten years of a joint effort that has strengthened the region's workforce and expanded opportunities for apprentices pursuing careers in the electrical trade.

Since 2015, the partnership between OEJATC and OCTC has provided aspiring electricians with a unique opportunity to earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Electrical Technology while completing their apprenticeship. This innovative program combines on-the-job training, complete with payments, benefits, and progressive wage increases, with classroom instruction and college credit through OCTC.

Over the past 10 years, approximately 72 apprentices have graduated from the program, and 56 are currently enrolled. The partnership has not only improved the educational credentials of apprenticeship graduates but has also enhanced the skill level of the local workforce, providing a clear pathway from high school into a rewarding career in the electrical trade.

"We're grateful for the long-standing partnership between OEJATC and Owensboro Community & Technical College," said Katie Vincent, Director of Workforce Partnerships at OCTC's Workforce Solutions department. "Since 2015, this collaboration has built career paths, strengthened local employers, and helped our community thrive by putting skilled, degree-qualified electricians to work."

Jason Sharp, OEJATC Training Director, echoed the sentiment, stating, "Partnering with OCTC has been a huge step in keeping our program 'with the times.' It has allowed our students to further their education beyond just the electrical trade, resulting in employees who can manage and perform whichever is needed. It has assisted with students who have been out of school for a longer duration. It ensures all our students obtain additional education that will allow them to continue making advancements and promotions throughout their careers."

Dr. Scott Williams, President of OCTC, added, "The enduring success of our partnership with OEJATC is a testament to the power of collaboration between education and industry. By working together to create innovative pathways that combine the best of apprenticeship training and college education, we are not only transforming lives but also building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future. Katie and Jason have done an exemplary job of nurturing that partnership."

As OEJATC and OCTC celebrate this milestone anniversary, both organizations remain committed to nurturing this valuable partnership and creating opportunities for the next generation of skilled electricians in the Owensboro region.

For more information about the OEJATC apprenticeship program and its partnership with OCTC, please get in touch with Katie Vincent at 270-686-4423 or via email at katie.vincent@kctcs.edu.

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