KCTCS/SKYCTC reports record year in workforce training

(VERSAILLES, Ky.) – Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) as well as the Kentucky Community and Technical College System set new workforce training records in fiscal year 2024, according to a new report released by KCTCS’ Workforce Solutions program. 

The report provides system-level data on the impact of Workforce Solutions and numerous statewide programs and provides a breakout of impact by each of the system’s colleges. 

KCTCS Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development Jessie Schook called the across-the-board increases “a pretty striking difference,” crediting the increase to the extra $2 million that KCTCS President Ryan Quarles invested in the TRAINS program to meet employer demand. The system’s total annual investment in the program was $7.4 million.

Dr. Kim Myers, Dean of Workforce Solutions says, "SKYCTC Workforce Solutions is proud to be among the top users of KCTCS TRAINS funds serving business and industry partners in our region. In Fiscal Year 2024, the team designed, developed, and delivered customized training to more than 50 companies in South Central KY with course topics including technical education, leadership, safety, and personal productivity."

Workforce Solutions, Kentucky’s primary provider of workforce education, provides customized training to more than 1,700 companies annually. Utilizing funding from the Kentucky General Assembly for the TRAINS program, Workforce Solutions trains businesses’ new hires with the aim of accelerating full productivity levels while helping retain incumbent workers through upskilling opportunities. TRAINS has been shown to offset the cost of training for businesses by up to 75%. 

In fiscal year 2024, KCTCS partnered with Kentucky companies on 339 TRAINS projects, up from 248 last year, a 37% increase. This resulted in $10.87 million in gross revenue generated for the colleges, compared to $8.6 million last year. New clients increased 15% and repeat clients grew 51%.

“The numbers really speak for themselves for the demand within the business community for this program. We only serve a fraction of the state’s companies, but those we do serve, we serve very well,” said Schook, pointing out that Quarles’ additional allocation has allowed KCTCS to continue expanding their portfolio. 

“As we move forward in the 2024-2025 academic year, we will continue growing these relationships and establishing collaborative solutions to solve the workforce challenges of our generation,” added Quarles.

KCTCS continues to be the number one provider of workforce training in Kentucky. One out of every 49 Kentucky jobs is supported by the activities of KCTCS colleges and students. 

Businesses interested in this program, can contact Dr. Kim Myers at kim.myers@kctcs.edu.