New partnership aims to build future workforce – Spectrum News 1
Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More
Continue in Browser
Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.
Please enter a valid zipcode.
Save
VERSAILLES, Ky. — The Kentucky Community and Technical College System and Kentucky Public Service Commission are partnering to provide educational opportunities to students in skilled trades.
A yearly $66,000 scholarship fund made possible by the PSC will be divided among students studying construction management, heavy machinery operation or plumbing among other fields in KCTCS. Dr. Ryan Quarles, president of KCTCS said more “hands-on” jobs are needed in the Commonwealth.
“This scholarship is more than just about money; it’s about an investment in the workforce of Kentucky. We need more folks who work with their hands and fortunately at our community colleges we have those programs that train Kentuckians who go out and build Kentucky,” Quarles said.
The scholarship also encourages students studying those fields to call 811 before they dig. The fund is supported by fines paid by firms that violate safety regulations. Angie Hatton, chair of the PSC, said calling before digging can prevent utility outages and even save lives.
“We average about 1,000 a year and not all of those will involve extensive property damage or injuries but when someone strikes a gas line, it’s always potential for danger so our division of inspections is doing their best to bring that number to zero,” Hatton said.
It’s opening the doors for students like Brian Sizemore and building the future workforce of Kentucky.
“It’s really going to help buying supplies; the boots, the pants, some of that stuff is kind of expensive,” Sizemore said.
Sizemore is working toward a heavy equipment programming certification at the Hazard campus and he said it’s his passion.
“I think it starts when you’re a kid and playing in the sandbox, driving all the cars, making the ramps and then you grow up and figure out that you can do this with big machines,” Sizemore said.
Ryan Quarles said 70% of KCTCS graduates stay in the counties they come from. Sizemore said he has enjoyed Hazard and has learned a lot in the program.
“Love the people, Appalachian people are some of the best people you can meet. Our directors, our instructors are all awesome, the students; blue-collar workers are good people to be around,” Sizemore said.
The scholarships will be $2,000 for 33 students every year or $1,000 each semester.
The funds may be used for tuition, course fees, books, supplies and other education-related expenses, as approved by KCTCS. Scholarships are not automatically renewable, but previous recipients may reapply and be considered for future awards.
To qualify, students must have unmet financial need as determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and be credential seeking with a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Preference will be given to Kentucky residents enrolled full time or planning to enroll full time.
This past year, over 24,000 students graduated from the KCTCS system, which according to Quarles is the highest number ever.
