Essity Donates $5,000 to Sustain SKYCTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program, SKY FAME

Photo from Left to Right: Kaylah Hadden SKYCTC Success Coach, Dan Pardue Technical Trainer, Mark Sexton Human Resources Manager, Anthony Hennion Second-Year SKY FAME Student, Jeff Rimel Site Manager, Chad Qualls Second-Year SKY FAME Student, Miguel Franco Organizational Improvement Manager, Kelcie Richart Campus Director SKYCTC Franklin-Simpson Center

FRANKLIN, KY (January 23, 2024) 

Essity's facility in Bowling Green, KY, focuses on health and hygiene, specializing in the production of the TENA brand of adult incontinence products for both retail and healthcare markets. The name "Essity" is derived from "essentials" and "necessities," emphasizing the company's commitment to providing essential products for hygiene and health. As a leading global hygiene and health company, Essity strives to offer products and services that play crucial roles in everyday life.

In alignment with their dedication to community support, Essity has recently made a $5,000 donation to contribute to the Southcentral Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education's (SKY FAME) endowment campaign. This donation aims to ensure that students have access to the necessary resources for excelling as globally competitive advanced maintenance technicians (AMTs) trained at the Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College's (SKYCTC) Franklin-Simpson Center. 

SKY FAME is a selective, work-and-learn admissions program designed to educate Advanced Manufacturing Technicians (AMTs). Students attend classes at the SKYCTC Franklin-Simpson Center two days per week and work at least 24 hours per week at a sponsoring manufacturer – all while being paid a competitive wage. AMTs study a diverse technical skill set, including electricity, robotics, fluid power, mechanics, fabrication, industrial troubleshooting, and more. After five semesters, students earn an Associate Degree in Industrial Maintenance Technology (Advanced Manufacturing Technician) and accumulate over 1,800 hours of on-the-job work experience.

"Essity has consistently championed the transformative power of education, and we are thrilled to contribute to SKY FAME's mission by providing support through a $5000 donation. This commitment reflects our belief in the importance of quality education and our dedication to preparing the leaders of tomorrow. Our donation is an investment in the future and a means of giving back to the community that has played a crucial role in our success. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this collaboration on the educational and professional journeys of individuals within our community” noted Mark Sexton Human Resources Manager. 

SKYCTC’s Franklin-Simpson Center Campus Director, Kelcie Richart, expressed sincere gratitude to Essity for placing trust in their program to enhance the skills of Essity's incumbent employees. Richart highlighted the lasting impact of Essity's donation, emphasizing that it will contribute to the ongoing training of students for years to come. This collaborative partnership is a noteworthy example of the significance of cooperation between educational institutions and the corporate sector, showcasing a shared commitment to workforce development and mutual success.

“I am grateful to be part of Essity, a company that values employee development and provides opportunities for training and education. This support has allowed me to enhance my maintenance skills and opened doors for career advancement. I appreciate Essity's investment in its employees and am committed to applying the knowledge and expertise gained through training to contribute to the company's success.” noted second-year SKY FAME student Anthony Hennion. 

To learn more about SKY FAME, contact Franklin-Simpson Center Campus Director Kelcie Richart at kelcie.richart@kctcs.edu or Franklin-Simpson Center Success Coach Kaylah Hadden at kaylah.hadden@kctcs.edu.