October is Manufacturing Month in Kentucky

Retired Circuit Court Judge Kenneth H. Goff, left, is recognized during the Grayson County Manufacturing Appreciation Luncheon. Goff has been instrumental in bringing industry to Grayson County for nearly six decades and recently stepped down from the Leitchfield-Grayson County Industrial Development Corp. Board of Directors. Board member Darrell Moll and Dudley Cooper, executive director of the industrial development corp., present a plaque. Photo courtesy of Grayson County Schools

Representing one of every five workers, manufacturing is one of the most significant economic drivers in the eight-county Lincoln Trail region.

October has been designated Manufacturing Month in Kentucky and Friday, Oct. 3, is the third annual national Manufacturing Day. It’s a time to recognize manufacturing’s significance as a job creator and the skilled career opportunities in modern manufacturing.

The sector is growing and the region has welcomed developments such as Hendrickson’s expansion in Lebanon, the opening of Quest Industries in Elizabethtown and plans for a new distillery in Bardstown.

The industry’s demand for employees with technical and analytical skills is growing, too.

“Today’s manufacturing is about skilled careers and advanced technology,” said Carter Dyson, one stop director of the Kentucky Career Center – Lincoln Trail. “And the training and opportunities are there for those who want to build a successful career in manufacturing.”

In the Lincoln Trail region, businesses, educators and workforce and economic development professionals are working together to address this demand and help students and job seekers take advantage of these career opportunities. As Manufacturing Day approaches, some are paying special recognition to the industry.

Grayson County Schools, the Grayson County Chamber of Commerce and local manufacturers partnered and recently wrapped up their Manufacturing Week. The program activities included bringing 300-plus eighth-graders into manufacturing facilities to learn more about a variety of careers, from production to engineering to business administration. Among other activities, business representatives were set to visit machining and welding students at Grayson County Technology and an industry appreciation luncheon provided community stakeholders a chance to learn more about manufacturing.

Also, Hardin County Schools’ Early College and Career Center is set to host Manufacturing, Business and Industry Day on Oct. 2. Students will be able to interact with the district’s business and industry partners and learn more about the vibrant career paths of the manufacturing sector.

The Kentucky Career Center – Lincoln Trail is a one-stop resource for job seekers and employers. With four full-service centers in the area, both employers and job seekers have direct access to information about everything from job openings to specialized assistance and training programs. Area manufacturers and job seekers interested in this industry sector are encouraged to contact the career center nearest you to find out more about the assistance the career center staff can provide.