Because of needed employment training and education, one of the many important support pillars for the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council is the staff and classrooms of Hopkinsville Community College.
This relationship was on display Monday afternoon at the HCC Emerging Technologies building, as the SWK EDC heard updates from HCC’s Carol Kirves and Lea Martin.
Responsible for the college’s Workforce Solution program, Kirves and Martin noted HCC has the aptitude and programming necessary to create customized professional development and licensing for a number of Trigg, Christian, Todd, Montgomery and Robertson county’s main and tertiary workplaces.
And beyond.
In fact, as of late spring 2024, another one is being added to HCC’s repertoire.
Martin said industrial maintenance and mechatronics is on the way, because it’s no longer being offered in northwest Tennessee. And it will become an important opportunity through HCC’s joint effort with Fort Campbell’s Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program.
Martin also gave a nod to the Christian County Fiscal Court, which this year approved other funding mechanisms necessary to purchase the equipment for curriculum.
Kirven added that HCC’s experience can be wide-varying for students, many of which are looking to tailor to their needs before jumping into their first career.
This includes non-traditionals, who might be looking to learn and change recourse.
With campuses in Hopkinsville and Fort Campbell, HCC is one of 16 in the KCTCS system. Enrollment is north of 2,100 this semester. And of that, more than 17% resides in and around Fort Campbell.
HCC currently offers degrees and certificates in a number of subsets under 25 career technical programs: agriculture, air conditioning technology, business administration systems, computer & information technologies, computerized manufacturing & machining, construction technology, criminal justice, diesel technology, digital 3D printing technology, electrical technology, emergency paramedic medical services, health science technology, industrial maintenance technology, interdisciplinary early childhood development, massage therapy technology, medical assisting, medical information technology, medical laboratory technician, nursing, surgical technology, truck driving, and welding technology.
In other SWK EDC news:
— Sharon Butts confirmed more than 330 individuals have signed up for Wednesday morning’s Industry Appreciation Luncheon at the Bruce Convention Center. Set to kickoff at 11:30 AM, she and SWK EDC Executive Director Carter Hendricks noted that one industry will be honored for 70-to-75 years of service to the region, while the guest speaker will be Jeff Noel, state secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development. Other awards and presentations are expected.
— Hendricks said regional leaders should make plans to attend a 2 PM, November 29 ribbon-cutting for the new spec building at Trigg County’s I-24 Business Park. Located at 322 International Drive between the Cadiz Water Treatment facility and Wabash, the 100,000-square-foot property is ready, and has already been the subject of multiple site visits.
