Secretary of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet Jamie Link addressed the Cumberlands Workforce Development Board Tuesday reflecting on the urgent need for a qualified workforce to meet employer demands. Link discussed the SWATT (Statewide Workforce and Talent Team) initiative, the goal of which is to establish a unified approach to workforce development that will endure beyond the current administration.
Link highlighted a number of other initiatives geared toward workforce support and youth programs as well as progress on the rebuilding of Kentucky’s unemployment insurance system.
Link also put special emphasis on the Pre-K for All movement and how beneficial it could be for the state and our region. “Not only does an expansion of preschool and pre-K provide career opportunities for people to get into early childhood education and careers, but it also frees up parents that that they can go to work when they have a safe place for their child to go,” said Link. “I think we all recognize that.”
Secretary Link expressed his appreciation to the board for their work, and Executive Director Myra Wilson and Chairman Jeff VanHook for their leadership. He also gave special recognition to County Attorney Kevin Shearer for his innovative contributions to building partnerships.
Link ended his talk with an invitation to the Board: “Our cabinet is here to support and assist any way we can. And please don’t hesitate to call on us when we can be of assistance.”
