New CDL Program at Somerset Community College Steering Students Toward Career with Huge Demand

SOMERSET, Ky. — A new four-week Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program at Somerset Community College is steering students toward a career with huge demand and the potential for a steady paycheck. Program instructor John Mitchell said that graduates could see immediate results. “There are very good employment possibilities for truck drivers in this area,” he […]
SPEDA Announces Expansion of Inmate Training Program

CRITICAL will provide soft-skills, technical training to inmates and help them navigate the job application process The Somerset-Pulaski County Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) introduced industrial leaders to an evolving initiative Thursday to grow Pulaski County’s workforce while also helping incarcerated men and women gain a new start on life when they are released. During the […]
Russell County’s Pre-Release Program Notes Early Success

The Cumberlands Workforce Development Board October meeting featured an update from Russell County Jailer Bobby Dunbar and Russell County Attorney Kevin Shearer on Russell County’s Pre-Release program’s initial inmate information session recently held at the Russell County Detention Center. The purpose of the pre-release program, or LEAP (Linking Employment to Activities Pre-Release), is to successfully bring those […]
Russell Springs Physician Offers Insight Into Addiction in the Workforce

Recently Dr. Richard Miles, a family medicine specialist in Russell Springs, gave the Cumberlands Workforce Development Board an overview of the current state of Substance Use Disorder in a presentation titled “SUD as a Chronic Brain Disease.” Dr. Miles offered a better understanding of addiction, its causes and most effective treatments to help mediate the issues […]
Positive Job Growth Anticipated for Kentucky Through 2026 – Especially Cumberlands Region

Each of Kentucky’s 10 Local Workforce Areas (LWA) is expected to have at least 33 occupations grow by 20 percent or more in the next 10 years. The Cumberlands LWA is projected to be the fastest-growing job region in the state during the 2016-2026 projection period with an expected growth of 12.53 percent or 14,194 new […]
Gov. Bevin, Congressman Rogers & Donald Trump Jr. Cut Ribbon on 350-Job Fibrotex USA Facility in Stearns

From McCreary County, Company will supply camouflage netting products used by US Army STEARNS, Ky. – Gov. Matt Bevin, Congressman Hal Rogers, Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News anchor, joined local officials and executives today from Fibrotex USA for a ribbon-cutting celebration for the company’s first manufacturing facility in the United […]
Wayne County Chamber invites Cumberlands Workforce to discuss Pre-Release Program progress and success

Cumberlands Workforce Development Director, Myra Wilson was invited to speak at a recent Wayne County Chamber of Commerce meeting. Director Wilson spoke to a group of community partners about Russell County’s pre-release program or LEAP (Linking Employment to Activities Pre-Realease). The purpose of the Pre-Release Program is to successfully bring those with felonies or misdemeanors […]
Cumberlands Joins South Central to Develop Regional Strategic Plan

Cumberlands Workforce Development is joining forces with South Central Kentucky Workforce Development to maximize their impact through combined efforts. Recently, Cumberlands Workforce Development Director, Myra Wilson and Lake Cumberland Area Development District Director, Darryl McGaha attended the South Central Kentucky Workforce Development board meeting as part of a critical partnership to develop and execute a […]
Workforce Professionals Addressing Opioids in Rural Communities

The Area Response to Opioids in Rural Communities (AROC) met recently to discuss ways to help those recovering from opioid addiction find a path back into the community after rehabilitation. The committee, comprised of a diverse group of community professionals including physicians, educators, legal professionals and representatives of the Kentucky Career Center, gathered to share […]
Commonwealth Launches Online Tool to Help Kentuckians Explore Career Pathways

The Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS) within the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC) has launched a free, online Career Explorer Tool to allow students and job seekers to explore careers matching their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). Designed by KYSTATS, a recognized leader in data platforms, the new Career Explorer Tool was developed with grant funding […]