Manufacturers participate in “GOING PRO” SIGNING DAY with SKYCTC Students at Franklin Center

Franklin, Ky. – Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) hosted a “Going Pro” Signing Day at the College’s Franklin-Simpson Center, located at 175 Davis Drive in Franklin, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Graduates from the SKY FAME Advanced Technology program signed letters of agreement committing to employment with regional industries across Southcentral Kentucky. Industry representatives from Bowling Green, Glasgow, Franklin, and Russellville were in attendance to support and celebrate the students as they begin their professional careers.

The Southcentral Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (SKY FAME) is a partnership of regional manufacturers dedicated to developing a highly skilled workforce through an innovative work-and-learn model. The program allows students to begin a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing while earning a college degree—often graduating with little to no student debt.

Students in the program attend classes at the SKYCTC Franklin-Simpson Center two days per week while working a minimum of 24 hours per week with a local manufacturing employer. Participants earn a competitive wage while gaining hands-on, real-world experience. Coursework emphasizes a multi-craft technical skill set, including electricity, robotics, fluid power, mechanics, fabrication, and industrial troubleshooting.

After five semesters, students earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Industrial Maintenance Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Technician Track, along with more than 1,800 hours of paid, on-the-job experience.

As Southcentral Kentucky’s economy continues to grow, partnerships between SKYCTC and regional employers play a vital role in developing a strong workforce pipeline. According to the Kentucky Center for Statistics, more than 80% of SKYCTC associate degree graduates are employed in Kentucky within three years of graduation, primarily in high-demand fields such as healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, logistics, and business services.*

Industry partners participating in the signing event included Carrier, Kobelco, Owls Head Alloys, Shoals Technologies, Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, and Vybond, all of whom joined SKYCTC in recognizing the students’ achievements and welcoming them into the workforce.

Students interested in high-demand career pathways are encouraged to apply to SKYCTC programs. Businesses seeking to grow or strengthen their workforce can partner with SKYCTC through initiatives such as SKY FAME, SKY Flex, and Workforce Solutions.

For more information about these programs and others offered by SKYCTC, visit http://southcentral.kctcs.edu.

*Source: Kentucky Center for Statistics, Postsecondary Feedback Report