The proposed project, building a smart manufacturing workforce in south central kentucky, will lead to the advancement of 800 workers with enhanced skills in automation, robotics, and management…

The proposed project, building a smart manufacturing workforce in south central kentucky, will lead to the advancement of 800 workers with enhanced skills in automation, robotics, and management processes and place 650 of those workers in good jobs across the 10-county region centered on bowling green. The south central kentucky regional development authority, INC. And the bowling green area chamber of commerce (chamber) will be the backbone organizations for a regional sectoral partnership with existing partners including manufacturers, education and training providers, workforce and economic development, and community-based organizations. The south central kentucky advanced manufacturing alliance sectoral partnership will attract diverse populations to manufacturing, align education and career pathways around stackable credentials, build training capacity for robotics and automation, and use earn-and-learn solutions that will fill high-demand occupations, promote wage gains for participants, and increase participation of underserved populations. The intended beneficiaries for the project are manufacturing workers and employers in the region; the project will support recruitment and hiring from diverse populations. Southern kentucky career technical college will provide training to program participants. Goodwill will provide wraparound services. The south central workforce development board will lead participant recruitment and referrals.