FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 10, 2019) – Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC) Secretary Derrick K. Ramsey visited Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) locations in Daviess and Hancock counties recently to see firsthand the impact of Work Ready Skills Initiative (WRSI) funding on career and workforce development in Kentucky. The multi-phased Innovation Labs project was funded by a $2.85 million WRSI grant.
Under the leadership of Governor Matt Bevin, Kentucky invested $100 million in WRSI funding statewide to help train Kentuckians for jobs in the state’s high demand jobs sectors: advanced manufacturing, construction, healthcare, transportation/logistics, and business/IT.
Ramsey visited with OCTC leaders and local officials in the area to tour the two locations and discuss how the funding has helped to ensure local students and adults are equipped to thrive in Kentucky’s current and future workforce. As part of the visit, Ramsey helped cut the ribbon on the newest Innovation Lab at the Hancock County Training Center in Lewisport. He also toured the first Innovation Lab at the OCTC Downtown Campus in Owensboro, which was dedicated in January 2019.
“We are excited to see firsthand how the Work Ready Skills funding and our partnership with OCTC, local officials, business leaders and educators is strengthening education and training in industries that are critical to the economic growth of Western Kentucky,” said EWDC Cabinet Secretary Derrick K. Ramsey. “OCTC has done a marvelous job with both Innovation Labs and we look forward to seeing this area continue to flourish in the years to come.”
The WRSI funding was used to renovate the Hancock County Training Center and purchase state-of-the-art equipment and technology to address workforce needs in advanced manufacturing and business/technical services for students and adults. The Work Ready Skills Initiative has enabled OCTC to increase the Innovation Labs’ capacity to serve 171 more adults and 63 more students annually.
OCTC Vice President of Resource Development and Chief Institutional Officer Mike Rodgers noted that WRSI funding is positioning OCTC and the counties it serves to meet the workforce needs now and in the future.
“The Work Ready Skills Initiative was an opportunity for Owensboro to work together with partners and the state to expand our industry training opportunities and our equipment to better align with business and industry,” Rodgers said.
OCTC student Isaac Fuqua got his first degree in advanced manufacturing technology—industrial maintenance technology—through the school’s GO FAME program, which allows participating students to earn an industry-recognized degree while working for a manufacturing company. Currently, he is working on a business degree at OCTC.
“I have recommended OCTC to multiple people because it’s a life changing experience,” said Fuqua. “I went to school for two years and have zero debt, zero money put towards it because the company paid for a lot of it and I have scholarships. Through that, I’ve been able to build my life from there. I’m 21 years old and I already have my own car and already have my own house because of the courses that they offer. I wouldn’t be able to do that without this program.”
Funded through a $100 million bond program established by Gov. Bevin and the Kentucky General Assembly, the Work Ready Skills Initiative is administered by the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. For more information, visit the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet website.
Click here to see how WRSI funds are impacting local students.
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