Creative Workforce Solutions

09/15/2023

Paving the Way for a Skilled and Adaptable Workforce

Industries such as health services, professional and business services, trade and accommodation and food service industries have a high number of job openings. In 2022, more than 50 million workers quit their jobs, many were looking for improved balance, increased compensation, and quality company culture.

Post-Secondary Programs Enhance Talent Pipelines

Post-secondary programs are nimble enough to adapt to rapidly changing needs and train the workforce in ways most beneficial to employers. When machinery changes or methods to produce evolve, it’s important to have a workforce that can adapt as well. Post-secondary programs play a large role in readying a workforce for that very opportunity.  South Western Kentucky is home to innovative programs that allow greater workforce readiness. Hopkinsville Community College Workforce Solutions’ technical degree and credentialing programs work with local industries in South Western Kentucky to evaluate their programming so that the students they’re teaching today are learning on the machinery found in local workplaces.

The HOPFAME program, another Hopkinsville Community College program, is a program that is open to all, but is specifically directed at recent high school graduates, current manufacturing employees and military veterans. These participants enter the workforce and begin earning salary, all while attending college with the goal of entering the workforce debt-free. With South Western Kentucky being home to the youngest population in Kentucky, this is a major win for employers looking for talent. These initiatives have been successful in this region and create opportunities for students coming into the workforce. 

Creative Benefits Packages, Do They Always Work? 

What about those who are working now? SWK industries offer competitive benefits packages and sign-on bonuses. Wages have continued to grow by a record year for overall economic growth. TGASK, located in Hopkinsville, has found that work-life balance, pay and benefits and flexible work options are important to their employees. One creative workforce solution they’ve successfully implemented is beginning their shift at a later start time. They’ve also created job trainer positions to work with new hires, which has worked well for the company. The focus on staffing opportunities like biweekly on-site hiring events and attending job fairs in surrounding areas has also helped applicants interview and get hired more smoothly. TGASK has found participating in programs such as HOPFAME and using an onsite temporary agency to help fill open positions has worked well in their workforce. 

Companies like Huhtamaki have attempted to move to a 4-day work week for some of their production staff, allowing them to work a base schedule of 32 hours and choose flexible hours above that. However, this has not been completely successful. Brandon Killebrew at Huhtamaki said, “The employees loved it at first, we gave them the ability to choose parts of their schedule so that they could work at times that suited them.  However, ultimately, they have chosen to only work the 32 hour schedule and not sign up for additional shifts.  This affects production, which has forced us to put them back on 40-hour work schedules to keep up with our demand.” While flexibility and reduced stress are important goals for many, solutions like the four-day work week may not be right for them. Testing what works for your particular workforce and their preferences is an important step. Companies may think their teams need or want a certain benefit, and in practice, they learn it’s not feasible for business needs. Balancing both is important for an engaged workforce. 

Partnering for Solutions

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council launched the WorkSWK page earlier this year to provide resources and information for regional job candidates seeking employment in manufacturing and industry. With the unique opportunity of connecting residents with life changing opportunities, we can also assist businesses with their workforce solutions. This web page features a database of regional manufacturers/industries who are hiring and updated regularly with direct links to the company’s job information and application process. There are also links to resources for education, job training and programs to assist with career and workforce development. 

Just recently launched is the SWK Getting Ready to Win (GR2W) initiative. This initiative invests in economic site development, infrastructure and quality of life, and workforce development. These efforts have resulted in the launching of the SWK IGNITE workforce program, the Fort Campbell TAP into Opportunities program, and significant investment in infrastructure by city and county governments throughout South Western Kentucky. 

By fostering partnerships between local industries, educational institutions, and community organizations, and learning what works for employees and what doesn’t, we can pave the way for a skilled and adaptable workforce. By aligning education, training, and industry needs, the region sets a compelling example for others to follow, demonstrating the power of collaboration and proactive investment in human capital. The journey towards a dynamic and thriving workforce is an ongoing one, and South Western Kentucky's initiatives are creating progress in the workforce.