To help address regional workforce needs and to raise awareness of available programs and resources, the South Central Workforce Development Board held its second annual Workforce Summit on Oct. 24 at the National Corvette Museum.

The first Summit was held in 2018 and had a total of 72 participants; this year’s Summit more than doubled that number with 183 individuals in attendance and all 10 counties of Southcentral Kentucky represented.

The theme of the event was Work-Based Learning and featured presentations on Work Experience programs, Onthe-Job Training, KYhirED Scholarship Program, SKY FAME and Registered Apprenticeships. Participants not only listened to presentations but also participated in roundtable discussions, brainstorming and networking.

Keynote speaker Secretary Derrick Ramsey of the Kentucky Cabinet of Education and Workforce Development kicked off the day by speaking to the value of work-based learning in the form of apprenticeships and also through mentoring others. He referenced the large number of attendees at the Summit during his presentation calling the crowd size “impressive.”

Board President/CEO Dr. Robert Boone shared a similar sentiment regarding the event’s attendance stating, “The South Central Workforce Board was thrilled at the level of participation in our 2nd Annual Workforce Summit. Our region is leading the conversation on work-based learning programs that will positively impact students, jobseekers, and employers. We cannot move the needle toward solving our workforce challenges without the commitment of partners and employers as we develop a world-class workforce development system. The

Workforce Summit is a testament to the kind of collaboration, innovation, and action happening in Southcentral Kentucky.”

At the close of the Summit, participants were asked to complete a “First-Step Challenge” activity, specifying one of the Work-Based Learning programs in which to be contacted about by the Board. “This first step is critical,” said Leslie Witty, Board Vice President of Outreach and Communications. “We want everyone to walk away from the Summit feeling like they have taken action, that they’re not just talking about the same challenges over and over.

“By choosing a program that was discussed and asking for further contact, employers are showing that they want to address these issues together. The South Central Workforce Development Board will be following up with each inquiry from the Summit in the upcoming weeks. We are building momentum as a Board and by following up with each request from the Summit, we are showing that we are willing to take action, too.”

The South Central Workforce Development Board leads the development and implementation of a highly effective workforce development system in the ten counties of South Central Kentucky in collaboration with business, economic development, education and community organizations in the labor market area.