Whether you have one employee or 1,000, the WKWB can be a valuable addition to your human resource capabilities and an invaluable tool to transform your workforce to meet the changing economy. Business Services allow local areas to design programs that are responsive to local industry/employer and sector needs. One key role of the Workforce Board is to meet the current and future needs of businesses in finding qualified workers and continue to build a network to streamline needed services to businesses throughout the region. Local “Business Services Teams” focus on these goals as well as various workforce partners work together on this goal. Each career center site has an active Business Service Team that shares information about hiring events, chamber events and coordinates with the area Economic Development Councils and educational partners.
The WKWB offers a variety of services to assist new businesses locating in the Western Kentucky Region and to assist current employers who are significantly expanding their workforce.
Specific services can include:
Specific services can include:
- Job Fairs Coordination
- Initial Applicant Advertising
- Applicant Review/Databases
- Pre-Hire Skill Assessment
The WKWB oversees a network of Career Centers that can assist with the hiring needs for new and expanding companies by providing the following services:
- Pre-Hire Assessments
- Job Referrals
- Application Reviews
- Worker Training Programs - such as OJT, Incumbent Worker and Customized Training
Putting Young Kentuckians to Work On-the-Job Training
The West Kentucky Workforce Board (WKWB) On-the-Job Training (OJT) program saves employers money while providing an individual who is ready to work, or by enrollment of an employer-identified, qualified young adult into the program. Minimal paperwork is needed to begin OJT training benefits for your company.
Please contact your area Business Liaison (listed below) to get started.
Pennyrile Area - Tom Sholar (270) 886-9484 or tom.sholar@ky.gov
Purchase Area - Mary Anne Medlock (270) 519-7662 or maryanne.medlock@ky.gov
PROGRAM DETAILS
Participants
Employer Compensation
Please contact your area Business Liaison (listed below) to get started.
Pennyrile Area - Tom Sholar (270) 886-9484 or tom.sholar@ky.gov
Purchase Area - Mary Anne Medlock (270) 519-7662 or maryanne.medlock@ky.gov
PROGRAM DETAILS
Participants
- 18 – 24 Years Old
- Kentucky Resident
Employment
- Full-time Positions (30 or more hours per week)
Wage $14.30 - $24.57/hr Wages above $24.57 are allowed. OJT match caps at 50% of $24.57.
Employer Compensation
- WKWB will pay up to 50% of the hourly wage while training, up to 480 hours.
Program is available through June
30, 2026 or until funds are depleted.
On-the-Job Training
On-the-Job Training (OJT) is employer-based training providing the employer with an individual who is ready and willing to work while compensating the employer for lost production time and other training costs. The trainee learns and becomes proficient at the new skills required at the work site. The employer must guarantee that training in available on site, and those new employees, in need of job-specific training, are provided that training.
A regular, full-time (30 or more hours per week) position ($12.00/hr. or higher) must be available at the end of the training period. It is recognized that an employer cannot always foresee future problems. A good faith effort to provide continued employment is expected. This does not prohibit an employer from terminating participants.
A regular, full-time (30 or more hours per week) position ($12.00/hr. or higher) must be available at the end of the training period. It is recognized that an employer cannot always foresee future problems. A good faith effort to provide continued employment is expected. This does not prohibit an employer from terminating participants.
KY FAME (The Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) is a company-sponsored partnership of regional employers who share the goal of creating a pipeline of highly skilled workers.
