Members of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce emphasized the importance of workforce education for students at Thursday’s Hopkinsville Kiwanis Club meeting.
The Chamber of Commerce consists of around 650 member organizations and focuses on economic growth, quality of life and sociopolitical involvement. Chamber Executive Director, Taylor Hayes says the county has had a spike in economic growth over the last two years totaling to $2 billion in county investments.
Hayes says such quick economic growth comes with growing pains which can result in issues with infrastructure, housing and workforce employment. The Chamber has been working with the Christian County School System to address increased workforce needs.
The Chamber’s Workforce and Education Development Partnership Committee was recently rebranded to the PreK2Biz Committee which is chaired by Cody Noffsinger. Noffsinger says the old committee focused more so on schools and colleges molding students into career-ready individuals.
However, PreK2Biz is more student-focused and helps them learn more about workforce skills and also get work experience.
Noffsinger says the committee transition happened at a time when those entering the workforce are younger and those in the baby boomer generation is starting to retire. Incoming workforce members have different interests and desires and PreK2Biz will help them explore a variety of career paths.
PreK2Biz is set to be beneficial for both students and employers. Students will have a chance to learn more about local businesses and industries and get a head start on finding their career fit. Noffsinger says companies will help students grow their work skills through co-ops which can grow into job opportunities after high school or college.
To introduce students to workforce employers, Noffsinger says they will be hosting a Career Expo in January for eighth-grade students in the county as well as a student co-op panel and a workforce education breakfast both in February. To stay up to date on Chamber events visit the organization’s Facebook page at Christian County Chamber of Commerce.