Technical education can pave a path for career success 

Work Matters Column by Nathan Bales 

Benjamin Franklin once said, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." While this remains true, it’s important to recognize that this investment doesn’t have to come in the form of a four-year degree to yield success.

As our region’s economy grows and industrial sector opportunities expand, vocational education and skills training have never been more vital. Having built a career in manufacturing, I’ve seen firsthand the value of career and technical education — the kind that’s available right here in our community.

After high school, I was unsure of my direction when it came to furthering my education. I knew I wanted to pursue postsecondary education, but it wasn’t until a friend recommended industrial maintenance at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) that I found a path that clicked for me. I went on to earn my associates degree in industrial electricity and industrial maintenance from ECTC in 2005. Soon after, I started working as a maintenance apprentice at Fischbach USA in Elizabethtown, which is the world’s largest supplier of plastic packaging for the sealants and adhesives industry. Eventually, I worked my way up to maintenance manager, and I later went on to earn an associate’s degree focused on HVAC technology from ECTC. 

Steadily working my way up at Fischbach, I now proudly work in the engineering department as a continuous improvement engineer, and every day I remain appreciative of Fischbach’s willingness to encourage my professional growth and for the technical education I was provided through ECTC.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is becoming a more sought after path for students today, and the attainment of CTE remains a major selling point for employers. According to a national survey of 300 employers released by Advance CTE, 77 percent of employers reported hiring an employee in part because of their Career Technical Education (CTE) experience. 

While the tuition costs of a four-year degree are often steep, technical education and training can often be attained at a fraction of the cost. In fact, tuition can sometimes be covered for training and education in high-demand career paths, including through the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. This scholarship is applicable for several certifications and technical degrees available at ECTC and other KCTCS colleges. 

Community career resources, including the Kentucky Career Center - Lincoln Trail can also assist in securing employment in high-demand careers through training assistance, work-based learning experiences and connecting job seekers with employers. Oversight of the Career Center is provided by the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board, which works to align workforce resources and understand the complexities of the regional labor market to meet employer and job seeker needs. 

I’m proud to have built a successful career in this community, rooted in the technical education I earned right here at home. While my path to success is just one of many, I firmly believe that hard work and a willingness to learn are universal ingredients for achievement — no matter which educational or career path you pursue. My chosen career is just one example of the many opportunities available through ECTC’s technical programs, which offer certificates and associate degrees in high-demand fields such as welding, CAD, machine tool operation, and more. These programs open doors to rewarding careers that drive both personal growth and a more thriving community. 

To learn more about programs offered through ECTC, visit elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/education-training. To learn more about resources provided through the Kentucky Career Center - Lincoln Trail, visit ltcareercenter.org. 

Nathan Bales serves as a continuous improvement engineer with Fischbach USA in Elizabethtown. He can be reached at nathan.bales@fi-usa.com.