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KY, NH Launch New Workforce Programs to Address Industry Needs

July 21, 2016

Kentucky and New Hampshire recently have announced job training initiatives to address the needs of key industries at both the local and state levels. The Kentucky Work Ready Skills Initiative, a $100 million statewide bond program, is intended to meet “the needs of employers and promote sustainable incomes for Kentuckians.” Meanwhile, the launch of New Hampshire’s Manufacturing Sector Partnership, a statewide collaboration for industries to address their workforce needs, was announced. The effort will build a network that includes manufacturing professionals, educators and state economic development officials to develop a cross-collaborative career pathway for future workers.

In Kentucky, Gov. Matt Bevin announced the launch of the Kentucky Work Ready Skills Initiative, an attempt to address the state’s shortage of workers with proper skills and credentials. The funding will infuse resources to expand career and technical education facilities and allow those facilities to upgrade equipment to current and future industry standards through local partnerships between private industry and educational institutions. 

The initiative was passed and funded by the General Assembly in the recent biennial budget and will be administered by the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet with support from the Cabinet for Economic Development. In an attempt to tailor specific projects to the workforce and industry needs of the area, the participation of a private employer, educational agency, and other interested local and regional partners is required to receive funding. Partner organizations also will need to raise at least a 10 percent match by local partners.

The initiative will be overseen by a nine-member board. Technical support will be provided by the staff of the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority. Visit the efforts website…

New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan announced the launch of New Hampshire’s Manufacturing Sector Partnership. Driven by the needs of manufacturers statewide, the program will help employers find, train, and hire skilled workers. Industry partners also will help drive course offerings and training programs at the state’s institutions of higher education.

In addition to the Manufacturing Sector Partnership, the state also intends to launch partnerships in the hospitality, health care, and information technology fields. These efforts will be overseen by the state’s Department of Resources and Economic Development. 

Kentucky, New Hampshireworkforce, manufacturing