Hopkinsville Community College staff members shared their current and upcoming workforce programs with members of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council at their Monday meeting.
Starting off the meeting, Council Executive Director, Carter Hendricks highlighted that the community college is plays a big role in providing workforce programs, certifications and giving their students direct work experience.
Sharing the community college’s workforce programs, were Workforce Solutions Chief, Carol Kirves and Workforce Development Liaison, Lea Martin. The pair shared information about current work programs and their workforce solutions programs which offers accelerated training to address current industry needs.
Kirves shared that they have recently started construction technologies and HVAC programs which partner with international nonprofit, Habitat for Humanity to allow students to get work experience by building homes.
Martin then spoke about the community college’s accelerated and customized programs, and their upcoming addition of an industrial maintenance and mechatronics program. The program is set to launch in May 2024 and Martin says work toward the program began once training provider removed the community college from their service region.
Now localizing the program, Martin says those enrolled in the program will be getting hands-on technical training over the course of the 14-week program.
Following the pair’s presentation, Hendricks shared that lumber and industrial wood production company, Conner Industries has opened a location in Guthrie after recently hosting a ribbon cutting.
According to a Conner Industries news release, CEO David Dixon says the new site will allow them to broaden their integrated packaging products to new and existing customers and illustrates their commitment to adapting to their customers.
Council Associate Director, Tony Prim attended the ribbon cutting and shared that the facility was originally located near Clarksville, but they were having a hard time finding employees, so they moved the facility to Guthrie.
Conner Industries now have 14 nationwide locations in eleven different states.