Congressman Guthrie Hosts Career Fair Tuesday, Sep 29 2009

This article is reprinted from the New-Enterprise

U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie on Monday sponsored an employment fair that included instruction on how to apply for jobs created by the Fort Knox realignment.

The Career Preparedness Fair at the Pritchard Community Center also featured booths set up by prospective employers and educators and offered job-seeking tips.

The Republican congressman from Bowling Green — whose Central Kentucky district has more than an 11 percent unemployment rate — said the parking lot was nearly full when he arrived shortly before the event started at 10 a.m

The fair had drawn around 400 visitors by midday, said Mark Lord, Guthrie’s district director.

Just after noon, participants packed into a side room to hear one of the hourly presentations about future Fort Knox jobs, which will include many human resources and information technology positions. They learned how to apply and what kind of qualifications the Army wants.

And if fair goers learned they need a particular skill, they could visit booths set up by one of the schools — from career centers to major universities.

Because the post soon will become home to the Army’s Human Resources center and other administrative activities, McKendree University in Radcliff has seen a high demand for its Human Resources Management and Computer Information Systems programs and computer certification classes, said Leanna M. Milby, an admissions counselor and academic adviser.

The Army during the next couple of years expects to fill 1,400 positions.

Guthrie said the realignment is the biggest economic event in the area. It also will impact infrastructure services and schools.

A bill that could fund local school construction after a population increase left the U.S. House and is now in the Senate. Guthrie said he is talking to a committee chairman about prioritizing communities affected by Army post changes.

“It’s an issue that needs to be addressed,” he said.

Also at the fair, businesses — such as Cardinal Health and staffing agencies — set up booths to talk with job visitors about employment opportunities.

Michael Shaneyfelt said he participated because he is looking for full-time employment. The event was more helpful than he had anticipated, he said. Shaneyfelt said he had been to other job fairs, and Monday’s wasn’t quite as crowded and offered new possibilities.

For more information about military jobs, visit: www.oneknox.com.

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Lincoln Trail Career Center Success Stories Monday, Sep 14 2009

Dislocated Worker — Patricia Brown
Patricia Brown grew up working on the family farm in Clarkson, Ky. Her daily routine included, but was not limited to, milking cows and raising tobacco. In 1993, she started a new job at Vermont America which would eventually become Bosch Tools. Brown spent the next 13 years working for the company. In August 2006, the company announced it would be closing.

Even though Brown’s job had come to an end and her financial future looked grim, she pursued an opportunity for additional education through the Lincoln Trail Career Centers. She was excited and eager to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), but was nervous in the beginning. Brown dropped out of high school at age 17, and she did not consider herself college material.

“I knew that no one was handing out jobs like mine. I knew that I had to go to school to obtain a degree and ensure job security,” said Brown. “I am very thankful for the opportunity that the Dislocated Worker and Trade programs have offered me.”

Brown is currently entering her last semester at Madisonville Community and Technical College. She has maintained a high GPA and has a positive attitude about her future.   

Youth — Maurice Moore
Maurice Moore was a participant in a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funded youth program called “Yes I Can.”  As a participant in this career exploration program, he was involved in the Information Technology track. He passed the program with ease and obtained all possible certifications.

Moore had a criminal record, but after the “Yes I Can” program, he decided to enter college to pursue a degree in accounting. Last semester, he made a 4.0 and his cumulative GPA is 3.636. He works full-time at Arby’s at night and attends school during the day. Recently, Moore was chosen to participate in a National IT Conference in California. Although he did not place, he was grateful for the experience and was honored to attend. 

Youth — Amanda Chesser
Amanda Chesser enrolled with the WIA program in 2005 as a participant at Springfield LYNC, a work readiness and occupational skills contractor. At the time of enrollment, she was a 21-year-old newlywed with a young child. With a sense of determination, she completed Springfield LYNC and became a certified nursing assistant (CNA).

Chesser continued with college training at St. Catharine College, pursuing a radiography degree. She was determined to finish her degree despite her responsibilities at home and accessed WIA funds to assist with tuition. Chesser graduated from St. Catharine College in May with a 3.8 GPA. She was involved in the International Honor Society and American Society of Radiologic Technicians and graduated with honors, magna cum laude.

Incumbent Worker Success Story — Legacy Mold and Tool, Inc.
Four years ago, an employee at Legacy Mold and Tool, Inc. in Bardstown, Ky., started taking classes to become a journeyman toolmaker. This small tool and die and welding operation had a total of five employees and needed assistance in funding tuition for the employee and giving him an incentive to stay on track to complete the lengthy training program.
In May 2009, Jason Ballard completed the program through the Kentucky Machining Association (KMA) in Louisville. KMA is a branch of the National Tooling Machine Association (NTMA).  Ballard is now logging work hours to receiving his journeyman’s cards. He is more marketable in the tool and die industry, and Legacy Mold and Tool can provide more efficient, high-quality service for its customers.

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Short-term Training Opportunities Offered by Lincoln Trail Career Centers Monday, Sep 14 2009

Lincoln Trail Career Centers encourage dislocated and unemployed workers in the area to register now for short-term training opportunities. Financial assistance is available for residents who qualify. The Centers work with local agencies, learning centers and universities to provide affordable education for people wishing to boost their current skills or re-train for a new career. Partners include the Department for Adult Education and Literacy, the Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges and St. Catharine College.

Short-term training opportunities are available for those aiming to advance their skill sets in high-demand occupations including health care, computer and information technology, engineering, business administration, electrical technology and construction. Job placement assistance is available upon completion of training programs.

The Lincoln Trail Career Centers also provide financial assistance to businesses for training incumbent workers. This program encourages current employees to upgrade skill sets and become more productive and better candidates for promotional opportunities. It also helps local employers reduce training expenses. 

Full-service Career Centers are located in Leitchfield, Elizabethtown, Bardstown and Lebanon.

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