HARDIN COUNTY TO PURSUE KENTUCKY WORK READY COMMUNITY CERTIFICATION

Elizabethtown], Ky. (April 21, 2014) – Officials announced today that Hardin County
will be pursuing certification in the Kentucky Work Ready Communities Program. The certification program from the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (KWIB) and the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet assures employers that a local workforce has the talent and skills necessary to staff existing jobs and to master the innovative technologies new jobs will require.
 
A letter of intent has been  submitted to the KWIB signifying Hardin County’s commitment to validating and continuously improving workforce quality and to alert state officials of this commitment
so that technical assistance, along with other resources, can be targeted to local communities.  Rick Games, President of the Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundationwill serve as the County Team Leader of the project along with additional committee members representative of the educational, governmental and private sectors.
 
“We are excited that community leaders in HardinCounty have come together to make workforce quality a shared priority and pursue Kentucky Work Ready Community status,” said Mr. Games. “Gaining the status as a Kentucky Work Ready Community will enhance our opportunity as we continue to recruit new business  and provide a capable workforce for our existing companies.  Being able to demonstrate that Hardin County has a qualified, knowledgeable and trained workforce is a key element in securing new industry/business growth.”
 
Kentucky is the third state to begin certifying counties as Work Ready Communities based on the
quality of their labor force. To become certified, communities must gather local support and commitment
and apply for the Kentucky Work Ready Community designation. Counties have to meet criteria in six
areas including high school graduation rate, National Career Readiness Certificate holders, demonstrated
community commitment, educational attainment, soft-skills development and digital literacy.
 
The Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundation Training Consortium Chairman, Scott Freyberger of Mouser Cabinetry said, “The quicker we can create the best workforce, the quicker we can differentiate our county and attract and grow jobs.  By identifying the gaps and carrying out strategies to enlarge the pool of qualified talent, we will help our local businesses and the companies we want in our community  to compete.”
 
Applications for the certification will be reviewed later this year by a panel appointed by the
KWIB. County leaders will also have the opportunity to make a brief presentation and answer questions
posed by the panel.
 
For more information about the Kentucky Work Ready Communities program, go to workready.ky.gov.