Workforce Development
Workforce development refers to community efforts to train individuals for specific jobs or industries. Training may cover everything from soft skills (work ethic, attitude, getting to work on time) to basic skills (literacy, numeracy) to specific job skills (carpentry or website development). Community workforce efforts may also include job placement assistance, resume writing, interview skills, and retention services such as legal advice and child care, that help people stay in a job once placed there.
The goals of workforce development are to improve the quality and skill sets of individuals in order to place them in jobs, and help businesses find an employee base in line with their needs. Throughout the Regional Community Strategic Planning Process conducted as part of BRADD’s 2022-2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, each of BRADD’s 10 counties set goals and objectives address workforce development needs in their communities. Additionally, BRADD has several regional goals targeting workforce development. A summary of both the regional goals and county goals and objectives can be found in the tabs to the right.
CEDS Goal # | Goal |
---|---|
BRADD W.1 | Actively engage employers and stakeholders to drive innovative workforce solutions across the region. |
BRADD W.2 | Support the alignment and integration of education and workforce development in order to provide clear pathways for youth, post-secondary students, and adult job seekers. |
BRADD W.3 | Increase regional workforce participation by creating opportunities, incentivizing workforce participation, and removing barriers to employment. |
County Goal # | Goal |
---|---|
Allen W.1 | Encourage and develop workforce recruitment and attraction by offering diverse transportaion options. |
Allen W.2 | Develop and maintain a skilled workforce through advanced training opportunities in educational and occupational skills for the existing and future workforce. |
Barren W.1 | To develop and maintain a skilled workforce through upgraded training in educational and occupational skills for the existing workforce. |
Butler W.1 | Attract, develop, and maintain a skilled workforce. |
Edmonson W.1 | Encourage the retention and attraction of the youth of Edmonson County |
County Action # | Action | Status | Proof of Completion |
---|---|---|---|
Allen WD.1.1 | By December of 2023, work with BRADD’s Transportation Planner to conduct a survey to determine the need for additional transportation services to/from employers or ride-share programs. (Also Supports T.1) | On-going | |
Allen WD.1.2 | By December of 2025, if a need is determined through WD.1.1, put a plan together to address said needs/gaps in transportation to employment. | Complete | |
Allen WD.2.1 | By August of 2023, promote existing apprenticeship programs and opportunities available for non-college bound students between young job seekers and employers by developing social media campaigns to be deployed by partner members and with assistance from the regional Workforce Development Board and local school districts. | ||
Allen WD.2.1 | By August of 2023, promote existing apprenticeship programs and opportunities available for non-college bound students between young job seekers and employers by developing social media campaigns to be deployed by partner members and with assistance from the regional Workforce Development Board and local school districts. | On-Going | |
Allen WD.2.2 | By December of 2027, work with institutions of higher learning such as Lindsey Wilson and others to explore the option of offering local night classes for workforce development. |
Workforce Development at a Glance
BRADD tracks regional data points across multiple categories, including workforce development. A snapshot of workforce development in the region is displayed here.

Local Success
Metcalfe County Public Schools:
Student Cafe
Students who attend Metcalfe County High School have an exciting opportunity to earn credits towards graduation: working in The Student Café. At the Café, students make donuts, parfaits, and salads that are available to the community to purchase, all while learning underlying workforce skills.

Local Success
Metcalfe County Public Schools:
Student Cafe
Students who attend Metcalfe County High School have an exciting opportunity to earn credits towards graduation: working in The Student Café. At the Café, students make donuts, parfaits, and salads that are available to the community to purchase, all while learning underlying workforce skills.

Local Success
Metcalfe County Public Schools:
Student Cafe
Students who attend Metcalfe County High School have an exciting opportunity to earn credits towards graduation: working in The Student Café. At the Café, students make donuts, parfaits, and salads that are available to the community to purchase, all while learning underlying workforce skills.
TEAM Kentucky

An overview of workforce resources and efforts from the Commonwealth.
Southcentral workforce development board

The South Central Workforce Development Board oversees workforce initiatives in the 10-county region of south central Kentucky. As part of this role, the Board manages the Kentucky Career Centers in Bowling Green and Glasgow as well as their respective local Access Points throughout the region.