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Graves County, Kentucky - Today, Graves County Economic Development (GCED) announced that it was awarded a Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to support collaborative efforts in training and education. The grant is helping fund Project Precision. Jason Lemle, President of GCED said “Partnering with our local vocational school has been a rewarding opportunity for GCED. We appreciate the Tennessee Valley Authority for their support of expanding our career pathways and providing new certification for students at our local area technology center. These programs are what industry have been looking for and we look forward to seeing how this grant builds on our future workforce.” In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), along with third-party consultant VisionFirst Advisors, developed an innovative initiative, known as Workforce Invest, in 2022. The goal of the program is to address critical workforce development needs. Project Precision involves the purchase of a CNC mill, updating existing lathes and other machine equipment while providing stipends to students who are working towards completion of the Computer Numerical Controls (CNC) Operator pathway. With the newly acquired equipment, the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center will be creating an advanced career pathway in their machine tool program. Upon meeting with several industry partners, this is what was needed. Josh Heisner, ATC principal, said “Project Precision was met with overwhelming support. Whether it was feeder school districts writing letters on our behalf, local industry leaders taking time to meet and talk with us about the vision for the project, Terry Sullivan with GearUp and the West Kentucky Educational Cooperative backing us, Robbie Rudolph, Dianne Owen, and the Four Rivers Foundation writing a letter and providing a grant match as they continue to champion career and technical education, or Maryanne Medlock from the West Kentucky Workforce Board being an invaluable resource for forward thinking and bolstering our grant writing efforts, the show of support has been incredible. We’ve now hit the purchasing phase and the thought of getting this equipment in our shop and better preparing our students for great, local jobs is exhilarating.” Project Precision is a partnership between GCED, the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center, Machine and tool shops in the area, and the centrifugal air compressor industry. Project Precision will boost the ATC’s Machine Tool program. Currently the ATC offers the Kentucky Department of Education’s Machinist Operator pathway. Upon installation of this equipment and updated professional development provided for Machine Tool instructor, Chad Pickard, the ATC will start offering a CNC Operator pathway and an additional course in Conversational Programming. The Tennessee Valley is a region abounding in geographic and economic opportunity. Workforce Invest, a first-of-its-kind program, leverages funds to develop a highly trained and qualified workforce to meet current and future market demands. “TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest allows us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level. Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also filling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for TVA. “Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants but for entire communities. VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for Workforce Invest,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors. Over the last two years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 30 communities totaling more than $2 million. |
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About TVA The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse and cleanest energy systems – which includes nuclear, hydro, solar, gas and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future. About VisionFirst Advisors VisionFirst Advisors has established itself as a go-to firm in the economic development consulting field with a variety of clients from 40+ states and six Fortune 500 companies. With a customer-driven approach, our team acts seamlessly as an extension of our client’s team to develop strategy, solve problems and deliver results while mitigating risks and barriers. We know that no two projects are the same and our approach is tailored to each of our clients. Learn more at visionfirstadvisors.com. About Graves County Economic Development Graves County Economic Development began in 1981, becoming the driving force behind expansion and development opportunities in the community. 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. About the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center opened in 1973. It is currently home to over 400 students from Carlisle County, Mayfield, and Graves County high schools as well as Northside Baptist Christian School. Students come to the ATC to take classes in Accounting, Business, Carpentry, Computer Programming, Electricity, Health Science, Machining, and Welding. |