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Governor Announces Effort To Consolidate State Workforce Programs

Josh James
/
WUKY

Gov. Steve Beshear has announced an effort to bring the state’s various workforce training and recruitment efforts under one umbrella.

Like the governor’s work to promote the state’s health insurance exchange, Beshear wants employers to know they have now have a “one stop shop” for workforce development programs. The initiative has been dubbed WorkSmart.

"Qualifying companies within the Commonwealth will be eligible for recruitment and job screening services at no cost. In addition, flexible grant funding will be available to offset the cost of customized and in-hour training needs," Beshear told reporters.

That funding can also go toward developing apprenticeship programs and free safety training.

Beshear says there are no appropriations in his budget for WorkSmart because the programs are already in place. Instead, the initiative aims to gather the programs run by the Cabinet for Economic Development, the Labor Cabinet, the state community and technical college system, and others under one heading and make it easier for business to locate the help they need.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.