Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown, Ky., June 18, 2021, County leaders announced today that Butler County will be pursuing certification in the Kentucky Work Ready Communities program. The certification program from the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (KWIB) and the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet assures employers that a local workforce has the talent and skills necessary to staff existing jobs and to master the innovative technologies new jobs will require.

A letter of intent was submitted to the KWIB signifying Butler County's commitment to validating and continuously improving workforce quality and to alert state officials of this commitment so that technical assistance, along with other resources, can be targeted to local communities. The letter indicates that Butler County Judge Executive Tim Flener will serve as the County Leader, supported by the following County Members: Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps, Butler County Schools Superintendent Robert Tuck, Principal Butler County Area Technology Ray Hammers, WKU Dr. Amy Hood Waddel, Butler County Skills Instructor Amy Thomas, Butler County Member Debbie Hammers.

"We are excited that community leaders in Butler County have come together to make workforce quality a shared priority and pursue Kentucky Work Ready Community status," said Judge Tim Flener. "Kentucky Work Ready Community certification gives us an opportunity to demonstrate that our county has the capability to serve companies with a knowledgeable, trained workforce."

Kentucky is the third state to begin certifying counties as Work Ready Communities based on the quality of their labor force. To become certified, communities must gather local support and commitment and apply for the Kentucky Work Ready Community designation. Counties have to meet criteria in six areas including high school graduation rate, National Career Readiness Certificate holders, demonstrated community commitment, educational attainment, soft-skills development and digital literacy.