Why workforce development matters to rural communities 

Rural workforce development is about more than just jobs, it’s about building strong, thriving communities and creating pathways to a better future for individuals and families. In the Lincoln Trail Region, rural communities play a vital role in shaping our growing regional economy.

Supporting rural workers means ensuring that community members have access to the training, education and resources needed to excel in today’s dynamic job market. It also entails working to ensure people of all ages have opportunities to explore meaningful career paths without leaving the communities they call home. 

Our goal at the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board (LTWDB) is to empower every citizen to build meaningful careers and contribute to a prosperous region. This is also the objective of the Kentucky Career Center-Lincoln Trail (KCC-LT), overseen by LTWDB. 

For many young adults living in rural areas, relocating to a metro area can often feel like the only path to meaningful employment. However, through targeted workforce development efforts and strong connections with local employers, LTWDB and area career centers are working to change that narrative. By helping young people discover real career opportunities in their own communities, we aim to retain local talent and show them that they can build a successful future close to home.

Manufacturers and small businesses are economic engines in rural communities. They provide jobs, support families and help keep communities vibrant. To support these essential sectors in attracting and retaining emerging talent, including in rural areas, KCC-LT’s Business Solutions Team offers a range of employer services. From recruitment and training to strategic business planning, the team works closely with businesses of all sizes to strengthen the local workforce and fuel long-term growth.

Overcoming barriers to employment is also a key part of the equation. In rural areas, transportation and distance can limit access to job opportunities and services. KCC-LT is working to close these gaps and to make services more accessible, including expansion of virtual capabilities for career exploration services. 

For example, KCC-LT offers two online job fairs per month, giving job seekers the opportunity to take part in interviews with area employers from a variety of regional industries from the comfort of their homes. From July 2024 to June 2025, nearly 700 job seekers registered for job fairs and more than 150 employers participated. In addition, virtual reality technology is also utilized for career exploration through KCC-LT, helping individuals experience different career paths in an engaging, hands-on way. 

KCC-LT is committed to helping individuals access training programs and vital job-related resources to support their path to employment. By investing in people and creating clear pathways to opportunity, we are helping to ensure that rural residents in our service region have access to the services they need to succeed in this ever-changing workforce. To learn more about career services offered through KCC-LT, visit ltcareercenter.org. 

Jackie Masterson serves as the interim workforce director for the Lincoln Trail Area Development District. She can be reached at jackie@ltadd.org. The Lincoln Trail Region includes Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington counties.