Graves County Economic Development (GCED) and MCP are excited to provide a major piece of equipment to Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC). After visiting with the ATC over programs and equipment needed for the upcoming year, it was discussed that a forklift would be critical for the day-to-day operations, special projects, and the potential to offer students a forklift operator certification.
The Area Technology Center is the core to kickstarting students in industry training and preparing them to enter the workforce directly after high school.
As a part of their continued search for program alignment with industry, the Machine Tool program needed a forklift for day-to-day activities and to provide certification opportunities for students that are 18 years of age or older. Machine Tool instructor and certified forklift operator Chad Pickard says, “Having a forklift allows us to unload incoming supplies and materials for student learning projects.”
The forklift will also be utilized as a training tool for students. ATC Principal Josh Heisner said “This acquisition allows us a chance to give some of our students even more of a resume boost. Certain students over the age of 18 will now be able to earn forklift operator certifications to go on top of earning pathway certifications and OSHA 10 cards.”
Michael Staten, plant manager MCP, said “We are happy to partner with Economic Development and the local trade school for items that help prepare students for the workforce. With forklift operators already hard to find, this new addition will be a great resource for the school to train students for possible job opportunities”.
“As a former teacher, I value partnerships between education, economic development, and industry. With the future of our workforce currently in school, there is no better way to turn students into employees than providing them with hands-on experience. I am excited to see the continued collaboration amongst these entities”. Said Mayor, Kathy O’Nan.
Judge Executive Jesse Perry recalls his time growing up on machinery and equipment. “Growing up in Graves County and having the ability to work on equipment and machinery, I am encouraged by this partnership to provide the ATC with a new forklift. We need more students and employees capable of operating all facets of machinery in our industrial facilities. This is a great step towards offering those opportunities to our young talent in Mayfield and Graves County.”
The Area Technology Center is currently home to over 400 students from Carlisle, Mayfield, and Graves County High Schools as well as Northside Baptist Christian School. These students often have opportunities to work on large scale projects, and this piece of equipment will impact their involvement with these opportunities. Mr. Pickard also cited how having a forklift readily available can help make the ATC’s partnership work with some local businesses more efficient. “We’ve had large scale project opportunities where we’ve had to either wait for the district’s tractor or rent a forklift from an outside entity before we could begin working. This will help us hit quicker turnarounds.”
Mr. Heisner also emphasized how this shows continued support for career and technical education. “Business and industry in the area are seeing that the ATC can provide skilled workers. This is an amazing demonstration of continued support from GCED and Mayfield Consumer Products, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity.”
“This is one of many new opportunities to partner with the ATC of Mayfield/Graves County, and we are excited for the continued collaboration with our local training center.” said, Jason Lemle, President of Graves County Economic Development.
Graves County Economic Development was formed in 1981 to be the driving force behind business expansion, product development initiatives, workforce partnerships and the support community development opportunities. It continues to foster strong relationships with existing businesses and attracts new industry to grow in Graves County. There are 40 industrial businesses in Graves County that employ 2,300 people in the community.
Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center opened in 1973. Programs currently offered at the ATC include accounting, administrative support, carpentry, computer science, electricity, health science, machine tool, and welding. The ATC strives to give students as many hands-on opportunities to learn about local career and college options as possible before graduation.