FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 3, 2013) — The Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (KWIB) and the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC) today announced the recipients of two Quick Start industry partnership grant awards. Eastern Kentucky C.E.P., Inc. (EKCEP) and the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (NKWIB) each received a $25,000 planning grant. These funds will assist the Local Workforce Investment Boards (LWIBs) to encourage local employers and system stakeholders to plan for the expansion and/or start-up of industry-led, sector-focused and business-driven partnership projects.
EKCEP will establish a skilled trades industry partnership that will guide the formation of a Regional Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Council and the development of a registered skilled trades apprenticeship program. The council would consist of sector employers and workforce, education and labor representatives. A skilled trades apprenticeship program in the region would allow eastern Kentuckians to both attend classes and work toward becoming a journeyman or master craftsman in their skilled trade of choice.
The NKWIB project will promote its advanced manufacturing sector through partnership with the Northern Kentucky Industrial Park (NKIP) and the Advanced Manufacturing Ambassador Pilot (AMAP) program. The AMAP is a result of the NKIP Manufacturing Workforce Needs & Pipeline Assessment completed under the first Advanced Manufacturing grant awarded to NKIP. The AMAP model will help high school students have a realistic understanding of today’s work environment in advanced manufacturing. It will also expand the pipeline of qualified workers to the advanced manufacturing sector.
These awards represent the third round of KWIB planning grant opportunities for industry partnerships. Projects are currently underway by the eight successful recipients from the first two rounds awarded in December 2011 and August 2012 and represent advanced manufacturing, healthcare and energy.
The long-term goal of industry partnerships is to create an infrastructure that will provide employer-led training and education that enhances the skills of incumbent workers and develop career pathways for the emerging workforce.
For additional information about Industry Partnerships please go to www.kwib.ky.gov. To contact a Local Workforce Investment Area (LWIA) directly, please reference http://oet.ky.gov/documents/LWIAContacts2009.pdf.
