|
|
|
|
Request For Proposals Workforce Services for In-School Youth
Upcoming Training Events Schedule of Upcoming Trainings
Janine Musser Connects to Global Job Market with [October 2011] "If you travel for miles down a narrow gravel road deep into the woods of Wolfe County, you’ll find a beautiful house made from pines that fell during an ice storm. Nestled by a small pond, this cozy home and its nature and art-loving inhabitants, the Mussers, feel almost like a natural feature of the woods. It’s an unlikely site for a high-tech revolution in employment opportunities, but that’s what it is. Janine Musser is in the vanguard of a group of eastern Kentuckians who are using the latest technology to work from home, thanks to Kentucky Teleworks. Without leaving home, Janine works for ... " Click here to read more
WIA Helps Carolyn Stamper Make Change for the Better [September 2011] "Starting over in a new career is never easy, but help from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) made the change much smoother for Carolyn Stamper of Grayson. A messy, difficult divorce and the sale of the family photography business had left Carolyn in a tough spot. As part of the settlement she had signed a non-competition agreement that said she would not work in photography, sales, or marketing—the fields she had spent most of the last two decades honing her skills in. A career change was, legally, her only option. “I had to make a change,” Carolyn said ... " Click here to read more
WIA Puts Crissy Burke on Path to College [September 2011] "Crissy Burke is on the path to college, thanks to a little guidance and encouragement from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and career advisor Chris Thompson. Crissy, 18, grew up in Harlan County and dreamed of being a paleontologist. But when her Cawood High School consolidated into the Harlan County High School, Crissy started having anxiety issues at the much larger school and dropped out during her junior year. Later she enrolled in an Adult Education GED ... " Click here to read more
Patricia Cockrell Glad She Used Trade Act Services [September 2011] "Patricia Cockrell says she almost skipped signing up for Trade Act benefits when she was laid off during the closure of Perry Manufacturing in 2009. Today Patricia is glad she changed her mind, because the Trade Act helped her go back to school and find a new job that she loves. Patricia is a Perry County native who was a stay-at-home mom until her children were old enough ... " Click here to read more
WIA Helps Melissa Mills Shine at Pageant [September 2011] "The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth programs offer a wealth of career-preparation activities to young people, including leadership development and learning experiences, temporary work opportunities, college preparation, job training, and education. For Melissa Mills of Barbourville the WIA program also provided help with being a pageant girl. Melissa, 18, participated in the 2011 Miss Redbud Pageant with the help and support of WIA staff ... " Click here to read more
WIA Grooms Elaine Burdette for Business Success [September 2011] "Elaine Burdette bounced back from recession hardship and into a “cutting edge” new business, thanks to Workforce Investment Act (WIA) training. WIA paid for Elaine, 46, to train to be a pet groomer, and she has used that training to start the Nuttin’ Butta Houndog Styling and Grooming Boutique in Corbin. The WIA program is administered in 23 eastern Kentucky counties ... " Click here to read more
Tracy Saylor Succeeds With WIA [September 2011] "When Tracy Saylor saw her newborn, premature son in the hospital, she knew she wanted to do whatever she could to make sure he had the best life she could give him—and that meant she needed a new career. With financial help and guidance services provided through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Tracy recently attained a new career by becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN). “I’m not sure I could have done it without the help of the WIA program ... " Click here to read more
P&P Construction Job Fair Draws Highly Qualified Miners [August 2011] "A recent job fair for P&P Construction at the Perry County Jobsight drew more than 40 well qualified candidates for mining jobs. Dan Fields of P&P human resources said he was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the workers who came to the fair. Although the number of applicants was not overwhelming, most of the people who showed up were experienced miners ... " Click here to read more
WIA and Jason Reeves are Partners In Success [April 2011] "Dr. Jason Reeves understands of the power of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Reeves’ education and success are due in part to the financial help he got for school from WIA, but they were also made possible by what he learned through helping others as a WIA adviser. Reeves, 29, recently finished work on his doctoral degree in education and became Associate Dean of Educational Studies at Union College in Barbourville. Reeves also serves as a Board of Examiners (BOE) member for the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). He says his current success is “directly linked” ... "Click here to read more
WIA Helps Couple Achieve College Dreams [March 2011] "David and Marta Pace are proving education and training is the key to a better life, and they’re doing so with the help of the Workforce Investment Act. David and Marta’s training helped them go from struggling to support themselves and their children on $13,000 a year to having good, stable incomes and rewarding work in nursing. Along the way they got guidance, encouragement, and financial support from WIA ... "Click here to read more
EKCEP Releases Detailed Workforce Study [March 2011] "The Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) has released the results of The Workforce Opportunity Project, a research study that will guide the future of workforce training in eastern Kentucky. The Workforce Opportunity Project used face-to-face interviews to gather detailed data from 100 employers and company decision-makers throughout the 23 mountain counties that EKCEP serves. The employers identified their current and future workforce needs, the job skills that will be in demand over the next five years, and other ... "Click here to read more
Extension of Local Area Plan In accordance with Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) 21-09, issued by the Employment and Training Administration of the US Department of Labor, and Guidance Memorandum No. 139, issued by the Office of Training and Employment in the Kentucky Cabinet for Education and Workforce Development, the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) intends to extend its Local Workforce Investment Area Five-Year Plan for an additional year. The extension will cover the period from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011. The plan is available for review and public comment through August 4, 2010. Click here to read the plan. To submit a comment to EKCEP regarding the plan, click here.
Request For Proposals Case Management For Workforce Services
Kentucky Workforce Investment Board Approves New Strategic Plan On May 20, 2010, the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board approved the culmination of nearly a year’s work by members of the board, committees, stakeholder groups, partners and customers of the workforce system. The plan, titled: WorkSmart Kentucky, establishes a vision, lays out four major goals, and details 25 specific action items the board believes will have a transformational impact on the system. You can download a PDF version of the plan by clicking here: WorkSmart Kentucky Plan.
True One-Stop Career Center Now Available in Perry County [February 2011] "True one-stop shopping will soon be available in Perry County for job seekers and employers looking for workforce services. On Wednesday, February 16, the Office of Employment and Training, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and other state services will leave their current location on High Street and relocate to the Perry County JobSight workforce center at 412 Roy Campbell Drive in Hazard. The state services will join the workforce programs alread ... "Click here to read more
Workforce System Helps Susan Marr Get to Work [February 2011] "Susan Marr and her family found help recovering from setbacks brought on by the economic crisis through eastern Kentucky’s workforce development system. Susan had been satisfied as a stay-at-home mother, but when her husband lost his job at the Kellogg’s plant in Pikeville last spring both he and she needed to find work to make up for the lost income. Susan, who is not a Pike County native, found she had few local contacts to ... "Click here to read more
Envision Youth Tour Whayne Supply [February 2011] "A group of local young people recently got an up close and personal look at career opportunities at a local business, thanks to the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Sixteen students from Hazard, Perry Central and Buckhorn high schools toured the Whayne Supply plant in Hazard as part of the Envision Youth Program, funded by WIA. Envision offers a wide variety of activities that help prepare young people for life after high school. Tim Embry, Whayne vice president and branch operations ... "Click here to read more
James Mason Connects to Work With Distance Earning [February 2011] "A new effort to develop high-tech telecommuting employment opportunities in eastern Kentucky is already leading to jobs for people like James Mason. Thanks to the Eastern Kentucky Distance Earning Initiative, James, 45, of Letcher County, recently left his 17-year job as a meat cutter took a new job writing computer software for a company in Virginia, which he “commutes” to through a computer in his home. “I’d recommend people who want to work with computers or work from home to get into this as fast as possible,” James said. The Distance Earning Initiative ... "Click here to read more
Flood Grant Helps Carter Countians Clean Up Carter County [January 2011] "A grant initiative spearheaded by the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) and Carter County Judge Executive Charles Wallace is helping Carter County recover from last summer’s massively destructive flash flooding. Judge Wallace said, “In a time when jobs are scarce and people need help we couldn’t be happier to partner with EKCEP and be a part of a project like this.” About ... "Click here to read more
Grant Helps Pike lood Victims Get Back To Work, Back to Normal [January 2011] "A grant initiative spearheaded by the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) is helping Pike County recover from last summer’s massively destructive flash flooding. About 26 people are already working on cleanup crews, at road departments, at solid waste stations, and as outreach workers to help flood victims access needed aid. At least three more are working as outreach workers. Their wages are paid by the grant. The flash floods ... "Click here to read more
Megan Sammons Develops Her Future With WIA [January 2011] "Megan Sammons’ dream of becoming a sonograph technician was supported by her family, her friends, and — when she needed it most — the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Megan, 24, of Louisa, had earned athletic and academic scholarships to Morehead State University. She did well with her studies but when she began commuting to hospitals in Richmond and Georgetown for the clinical assignments she needed to complete her bachelor’s degree in sonography, she found ... "Click here to read more
Stimulus Programs Help Tommy Roach Find New Career [January 2011] "Throughout the last year the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) has used American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) economic stimulus funds to organize dozens of classes that trained eastern Kentuckians in high demand fields where jobs can be found locally. That investment is already paying off for people like Tommy Roach, who used the knowledge he gained from an Industrial Maintenance class in West Liberty and help from the WorkNow Kentucky summer employment program to bounce back from not one, but two devastating job losses. Tommy, 49, was never a stranger to work ... "Click here to read more
Job Club Helps Norma Blackburn Find Perfect Fit [December 2010] "Norma Blackburn has landed many jobs in her life, but her recent experience with Job Clubs of Eastern Kentucky taught her that there is a level of job search techniques that is beyond what most people imagine. With coaching and help from Job Clubs of Eastern Kentucky in Pike County, Norma recently obtained a great job as the branch manager for the Chloe Road branch of Professional Transportation Inc. (PTI). She now manages a fleet of vans and drivers that transport railroad employees. “Job Club is an awesome program,” Norma said ... "Click here to read more
Stimulus Training Programs Pay Off For Archie Jenkins [December 2010] "Throughout the past year the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) has used federal economic stimulus funds to organize dozens of classes to train eastern Kentuckians in high demand careers where jobs can be found locally. That investment is already paying off for people like Archie Jenkins, 51, of Harlan. Archie has been hired as assistant district maintenance and operations supervisor for Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College ... "Click here to read more
EKCEP and WorkNow Fuel Growth at Cougar Corner [December 2010] "More than 4,700 people in 23 mountain counties got a chance to earn money and learn job skills during the summer of 2010, thanks to the WorkNow Kentucky summer work initiative administered by Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP). For many of these people, it also offered a chance to start a new chapter in their lives. Cougar Corner, a convenience store in West Liberty, is one place where the successes of WorkNow Kentucky can be seen. Cougar Corner manager Rick Barker said ... "Click here to read more
Pineville Couple Gets Ahead With WorkNow [December 2010] "WorkNow Kentucky provided more than 4,750 eastern Kentuckians a chance to earn money and learn job skills this summer. For some, like husband and wife Tony and Heidi Zachery of Pineville, it provided even more. Heidi’s summer job at Britthaven Nursing Home in Pineville and Tony’s job for the Pineville water system gave the couple “a hand up” that has helped them recover from more than two years of unemployment. With the money they have earned from their WorkNow jobs, they have been able to move out of subsidized housing and buy school clothes and other things their children need. “It has helped us out tremendously,” said Heidi, smiling. The Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc., (EKCEP) ... "Click here to read more
EKCEP Helps Jigsaw Construction Go Digital and Paperless [November 2010] "Jigsaw Construction is adopting a new digital, paperless way of doing business, with the help of training funded by the Eastern Kentucky’s Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP). The Pikeville mining construction and civil engineering company is now in the process of digitalizing its entire operation from the ground up. Rusty Justice, owner and operator of Jigsaw Construction, said the new approach will help the company stay competitive, especially since Jigsaw employees are getting the training they need to put them ahead of the curve. “This will improve productivity by 50 ... "Click here to read more
EKCEP and WorkNow Help Odyssey Make a 'Place' to Fight Drug Addiction [November 2010] "The story of the WorkNow Kentucky program is more than just the story of more than 4,750 eastern Kentuckians who got summer jobs this year; it is also the story of more than 1,250 volunteer employers who provided the job opportunities, mentored the workers, and helped improve their local communities. WorkNow Kentucky placed workers in temporary jobs with a wide range of volunteer employers including private businesses, state and local government agencies, and non-profit organizations — and paid 100 percent of the workers’ wages using economic stimulus money provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In only four months, the program paid over $12.6 million in ... "Click here to read more
Nick Sturgill's Career Path is Clear After WorkNow [October 2010] "Nick Sturgill is one of more than 4,750 people across eastern Kentucky who spent their summers earning money, learning new skills, and contributing to their communities through jobs funded by the WorkNow Kentucky program. For Nick and many others, the experience gave them more than just a summer job; it also helped them decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives. After working at the Appalachian Early Child Development Center in Whitesburg through WorkNow, Nick decided to become an early childhood education teacher. “I always knew ... "Click here to read more
Ginger Hackett Cleans Up With WorkNow [October 2010] "This summer the WorkNow Kentucky program provided jobs that gave more than 4,750 eastern Kentuckians a chance to earn money and learn work skills. For many it also offered a chance to start a new and better chapter in their lives. “We’re very pleased with the number of workers and employers who have responded to WorkNow. We’ve heard so many stories of people who have used it as an opportunity to make their lives better and of employers who have used it as a chance to mentor a new generation of workers,” said Jeff Whitehead, executive director of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), which provided WorkNow services in 23 eastern Kentucky counties through contractor agencies. “So often we hear negative stereotypes about this area’ ... "Click here to read more
WorkNow Helps Robert Henson Grow His Career [October 2010] "This summer, the WorkNow Kentucky program provided jobs that gave more than 4,750 eastern Kentuckians a chance to earn money and learn work skills. For many, it also offered a chance to start a new and better chapter in their lives. “We’re very pleased with the number of workers and employers who have responded to WorkNow. We’ve heard so many stories of those who have used it as an opportunity to make their lives better and of employers who have used it as a chance to mentor a new generation of workers,” said Jeff Whitehead, executive director of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. ... "Click here to read more
WorkNow Helps Law Student Get Real World Experience [October 2010] "Johnathan Fugate is working hard to get his law degree. This summer, Fugate got some experience that will help him earn and apply his degree by taking part in a summer employment initiative called WorkNow Kentucky, provided locally by Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP). Through WorkNow Kentucky, Fugate was placed in a summer job in attorney Brian Couch’s law office in downtown Hyden. Overall, WorkNow Kentucky put over 4,750 eastern Kentuckians to work in positions with over 1,250 employers in 23 eastern Kentucky mountain counties. ... "Click here to read more
WorkNow Helps Amber Burchett Chose a Career [September 2010] "As the smell of a spaghetti lunch began to fill the air at Dinosaur Playland Day Care in Prestonsburg, Amber Burchett helped three-year-old Abigayle Justice adjust the oversized sun hat that she likes to use to play dress up. The two smiled at each other—smiles being one of the many rewards Amber gets from her summer job. Amber is one of thousands of eastern Kentuckians who were employed this summer thanks to the WorkNow Kentucky program. Overall, WorkNow Kentucky placed over 4,750 eastern Kentuckians to work in positions with over 1,250 employers in 23 eastern Kentucky mountain... "Click here to read more
TECO Jobs Draw Biggest Single-Employer Turnout [August 2010] "Nearly 300 people flocked to the Perry County JobSight recently to apply for entry level underground mining jobs at Perry County Coal, a turnout that JobSight officials say is its best ever for a one-employer job fair. “It was a total success,” said Jack Duff, manager of the Perry County JobSight on Roy Campbell Drive in Hazard. The JobSight is operated by L.K.L.P Community Action Council under contract with the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP), Inc. Duff said 288 job seekers attended ... "Click here to read more
New Job Club Offers Support to Jobseekers [August 2010] "Job hunting can sometimes be a lonely, frustrating experience. But job seekers in Pike County no longer have to go it alone. “We’ve Got Your Back Job Clubs of Eastern Kentucky” is starting a new job club in Pikeville on Aug. 31 that will provide job seekers the support, information, and networking opportunities they need to get a good job in today’s tough job market. “If you’re serious about your job search, don’t pass up this opportunity,” said Traci Nolen, job club coordinator. “The job club will give you the tools, skills and contacts you need ... "Click here to read more
Request For Bids
Request For Bids Perry County JobSight Freestanding Sign Project
Request For Proposals Group-Sized Training Projects Application
EKCEP and HCTC Bring Cutting-Edge 3D Tech to the Mountains [July 2010] "Some of the most sophisticated three dimensional (3D) technology in the world is now available to students at Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC). HCTC’s Challenger Learning Center now features more than $1.2 million worth of cutting-edge 3D display technology for virtual reality learning, including rooms a student can stand within and be surrounded by a lifelike 3D image, an immersive 3D theater, and a podium that can allow a speaker or teacher from anywhere in the world to appear holographically ..."Click here to read more
GED2Job Helps Salyersville Woman Prove it's Never Too Late to Learn [July 2010] "Salyersville’s Beverly L. Minix considers herself living proof that one is never too old to learn, especially with the help of initiatives like GED2Job. Beverly, now 65, had only made it to eighth grade before she left school, eloping from Indiana to Salyersville to get married. The wedding was in a general store. Beverly was happy being a wife and mother for more ..."Click here to read more
Job Clubs of Eastern Kentucky Offer Support for Your Job Search [June 2010] "Finding a job is easier if you have the support and assistance of other people who are pursuing the same goal. And that’s exactly what Job Clubs of Eastern Kentucky provide. The local Job Club, sponsored by Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) and the Office of Employment and Training, meets weekly at the Pikeville Public Library. At the meetings, members get a chance to support each other with stories, teach job hunting techniques, share job leads, and ..."Click here to read more
Ideal Print Shop Expands With EKCEP On-The-Job Training [June 2010] "Like many small business owners in eastern Kentucky, the owners of Ideal Print Shop in Middlesboro sometimes find their need to expand with new technology hindered by the cost of training new workers to operate it. Fortunately, a recent economic stimulus initiative is helping them clear those hurdles with financial aid and expert advice to help them find, hire and train workers. Shawn and Yvonne Collins ..."Click here to read more
Kizzie Halbert Completes College With Finish Up For Free [May 2010] "People across eastern Kentucky whose college dreams have been deferred are getting a second chance at completing their educations, thanks to a new Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) initiative called “Finish Up For Free.” Finish Up For Free — funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — has helped pay the cost of tuition, books, and fees for eastern Kentuckians who need less than 18 credit hours to complete an associate’s degree. One of these people is Kizzie Halbert of McDowell ..."Click here to read more
Finish Up For Free Helps Teresa Cain Complete College Dream [May 2010] "People across eastern Kentucky whose college dreams have been deferred have been getting a second chance to complete their educations, thanks to “Finish Up For Free,” a new initiative from the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP). EKCEP’s Finish Up For Free – funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – has paid the tuition and school-related expenses of people like Teresa Cain of Barbourville who need 18 credit hours or less to finish an associate’s degree. Teresa, 22, returned to Southeast ..."Click here to read more
Bruns Uses WIA Training to Help in Haiti [April 2010] "The right person with the right skills can make a world of difference in a time of need. Susan Bruns is easing the suffering in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, using nursing skills she learned in eastern Kentucky with the help of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Susan, 35, earned her nursing degree from Southeast ..."Click here to read more
EKCEP Honored at Civic Night [April 2010] "Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) was among the individuals and organizations honored for outstanding community involvement at Tuesday evening’s Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce’s 58th annual Civic Night. EKCEP and EKCEP Executive Director Jeff Whitehead were honored with the “Hazard Community and Technical College 2010 Advancement Award.” The college hosted ..."Click here to read more
‘When Work Works Award’ Brings National Recognition to Kentucky Employers [March 2010] "The Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc., in collaboration with the University of Kentucky’s Institute for Workplace Innovation (iwin), is inviting eastern Kentucky area businesses to be recognized nationally for their workplace flexibility practices by applying for the Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. The Alfred P. Sloan Awards are ..."Click here to read more
John Ed Pennington to Chair the EKCEP Board of Directors [March 2010] "John Ed Pennington of Manchester has been named chairman of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP). Pennington, 66, has served on the EKCEP board for seven years. He also serves as a member of the Manchester City Council, the president of the Tri-County NAACP, and the ..."Click here to read more
Kendall Ison Named Vice Chairman of The EKCEP Board of Directors [March 2010] "Whitesburg’s Kendall Ison has been named vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP). Ison, 68, is also a member of the board of directors of the LKLP Community Action Council and the Cowan County Community Action Group, and serves on LKLP’s Head Start Policy Council and Appalachian ..."Click here to read more
For an archive of past EKCEP and Workforce News Stories, click here. |
|
|
Problems with this site? Contact us. Site, including logos, photos, and servicemarks © 2006 Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc, (EKCEP). |
