Northwest KY Forward: Money will help Webster County's workforce development | News

Webster County has presented checks to the Webster County Area Technology Center, Northwest Kentucky Training Consortium and the Madisonville Community College. The money, which represents recaptured loan payments that were previously unavailable for reuse, will be used to advance the areas of workforce development, enhanced educational attainment and industrial park development and maintenance in Webster County.

“Webster County and Northwest Kentucky strongly believe that the key to success in the future will depend upon having a skilled workforce,” said Jim Townsend, Webster County Judge-Executive. “I am so glad that we have been able to partner with the Webster County EDC and Northwest Kentucky Forward to make this possible.”

The first phase will be the funding of $261,000 for three workforce development initiatives:
- $146,000 - Webster County Area Technology Center (ATC) - The funds will enable the school to purchase equipment that is needed to provide up-to-date technical instruction in the areas of computer aided drafting, health sciences, information technology, machine tool and welding.  The technical skills students will acquire by using the new equipment will assist the school in meeting the college and career readiness accountability measurers.

- $50,000 - Northwest Kentucky Training Consortium (NKTC) - NKTC is a not-for-profit training organization composed of business, education and public partners. The NKTC has put together a complete training schedule in partnership with the Webster County Area Technology Center and the training will take place at the Webster County ATC as well as onsite at businesses.

- $65,000 - Madisonville Community College - The Madisonville Community College offers many dual credit classes through the Webster County High School and the Webster County ATC. The funds will help students get a jumpstart on degree programs through the community college.

Webster County Fiscal Court and the Webster County EDC have partnered with the Northwest Kentucky Training Consortium to provide free training to Webster County businesses and residents to improve and enhance skill levels. We are asking everyone to complete a short survey to help us insure that we are providing the training needed by Webster County. The survey can be found by clicking here.

Webster County is currently working on it's Work Ready Community in Progress application and says it is excited about all the opportunities to advance the education and workforce in the county. The funds allotted to these three organizations will greatly increase the county's ability to prepare the workforce for the future needs of businesses.

Northwest Kentucky Forward is a public-private partnership charged with creating wealth and opportunity for Henderson, McLean, Union and Webster Counties. To learn more about Northwest Kentucky Forward: www.northwestky.com