Executive Director of the Cumberlands Workforce Development Board Myra Wilson and Michael Gritton, Executive Director at KentuckianaWorks presented an update on the Putting Young Kentuckians to Work (PYKW) initiative before the Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment today.
Wilson gave a brief overview of the employment landscape for young Kentuckians saying in 2023 12% of the state’s young adults were disconnected from work and school, while two-thirds of Kentucky employers say there is not an ample supply of trained workers. PYKW is a program for 16-24 year olds not in school that provides funding for career training.
“Our youth enrollment growth shows a promising pipeline that’s full of potential,” said Wilson, referencing program enrollment increases. The report on job placements was positive as well with 1,218 through October 2025. “The data is changing daily… the numbers are continuing to increase.”
Cumberland County’s Judge Executive Luke King was also present for the committee report. King has been a strong advocate for youth preparedness and workforce development opportunities.
You can view the meeting on YouTube:
You can view via KET at: https://ket.org/legislature/archives/2025/interim/interim-joint-committee-on-economic-development-workforce-investment-i80guu
Myra Wilson, Executive Director of the Cumberlands Workforce Development Board and Michael Gritton, Executive Director at KentuckianaWorks testifying for the committee.
Cumberland County Judge Executive Luke King and Cumberlands Workforce Development Board Executive Director Myra Wilson.