South Western Kentucky Focused on Workforce Success

12/01/2020

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC) is proud to partner with regional workforce agencies and local schools to continue to improve the young and skilled workforce of over 450,000 in our six-county labor shed.  These efforts are vital as access to a skilled workforce remains the most important site selection factor for industry executives and their site selection consultants, according to a recent report by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).  The IEDC is considered the world’s leading authority on economic development. 

With a region that’s heralded by the state as work ready, the state’s youngest population in Christian County, and neighboring Fort Campbell, the South Western Kentucky region has a young, skilled, and growing workforce that is adaptable and ready to meet the current and future needs of our region.

However, regional leaders are not resting on their laurels with dynamic partnerships such as the Campbell Strong Workforce Partnership and the Christian County Public Schools’ FUSION initiative as two of the more recent examples of regional leadership identifying innovative strategies to create stronger workforce talent pipelines for current and future businesses. 

The Campbell Strong Workforce Partnership is an initiative aimed at facilitating transitioning military and their dependents as they identify post-military work opportunities in our region.  This effort continues to evolve and the South Western Kentucky counties remain committed to helping regional industries create stronger relationships with Fort Campbell through this partnership. 

The CCPS FUSION initiative targets high school juniors and seniors to provide them with work-based learning opportunities through co-op placements, internships, and apprenticeships.  The SWK EDC and Christian County Chamber of Commerce are supporters of this and all efforts to better connect our regional high school graduates with great opportunities at home.  

Carter Hendricks, SWK Executive Director, shared, “Economic and community development is predicated on a strong, skilled workforce.  We are fortunate to have a heritage of a hard-working and industrious workforce that has helped over 60 industries succeed in our region.  However, we are taking nothing for granted as we continue partnering with our education and workforce partners to ensure we are doing all we can to produce a quality, highly skilled workforce which will result in even more opportunities for regional residents to enjoy a better quality of life.”

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