Power In Partnership - Upper Level Welding Speakers

Graves County Economic Development (GCED) and the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) are collaborating on a new program, Power In Partnership, where career professionals come to the ATC and speak to students about their field. These professionals provide information about pay/benefits, advancement/progression, training needed after high school, and any crucial details that help them understand the field.

ATC Principal Josh Heisner commented on the program and expressed gratitude for businesses partnering with the ATC for this opportunity.

“The insights provided by our speakers will go a long way with helping our students to understand the pathways and opportunities available to them right here in their hometown. We’re grateful to Vicki, Matthew, and Zach of the Progress Rail team and Jimmy Hogancamp of Universal Technologies for investing their time into our students' future."

GCED distributed a press release introducing the program and discussing the accounting pathway speakers. In the coming weeks we will send a press release for each of the other ATC pathways.

Progress Rail representatives, Vicki Morgan, Matthew Lancaster, and Zach Malone discussed welding careers with the welding students at Mayfield-Graves ATC. Prior to the start of their careers, both Matthew and Zach attended the ATC taking welding classes and spoke about how this pathway helped to prepare them for their current roles at Progress Rail.

“We are happy to work with our local education and workforce development partners to invest into local students and help the professionals of tomorrow succeed. This partnership is a great opportunity to help students understand where their pathway leads without having to leave home,” Morgan said.

Jimmy Hogancamp, owner of Universal Technologies Inc., participated in the program and spoke to the students about welding as a career.

"Welding is an in-demand skill with many opportunities available in Mayfield, Graves County, and the region. Students that pursue welding won't have any problems finding high-paying jobs right here in their hometown." Jimmy Hogancamp commented.

Machine & Tool, Carpentry, Electricity, and Computer Science are the ATC programs that have upcoming press releases. Welding is the second program that was concluded.

GCED President Jason Lemle commented on the program.

“The welding program at the ATC is crucial to future business and industry growth in Mayfield and Graves County. The skills and knowledge students learn from this program helps train the employees of the future. Thank you to Progress Rail and Universal Technologies for providing valuable information to these students.”

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 44 industrial businesses in Graves County that employ 2,300 people in the community.