HCTC recognizes its Education First Employers partners

This summer, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) announced its partnership with Governor Andy Beshear and TEAM Kentucky to create a new initiative with leading companies across Kentucky in healthcare, manufacturing, skilled trades and many others.

Since the announcement, those companies who are committed to attainable education and investing in their workforce now hold the title of Education First Employer. Companies who qualify to participate in this network share similar values and have shown a commitment to go above and beyond to support employees through education and training.

To achieve the Education First Employer designation, businesses must provide tuition assistance, flexible scheduling, and offer competitive wages. These businesses must also actively partner with their local KCTCS college to enhance students’ employability skills and better position graduates for high earning potential in today’s economy.

Recently, leadership from Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) presented awards to the college’s Education First Employer partners. Those businesses are Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), Primary Care Centers of Eastern Kentucky, Dajcor Aluminum, American Electric Power (Kentucky Power), and Thacker-Grigsby Communications.

“HCTC realizes the growing need for a highly skilled workforce in our region,” said HCTC President/CEO Dr. Jennifer Lindon. “We pride ourselves on providing the best education for our students. By working with our Education First Employer partners, we will achieve our goal by providing the best workforce Eastern Kentucky has seen,” she added.

KCTCS invites companies who invest in workforce development to sign the Education First Employer pledge. A listing of current participating companies can be found at https://kctcs.edu/efe/index.aspx.