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.
The carpentry students heard from three different professionals, Brad Power of Power Truss, John Hale of Bill Adams Construction, and Joel Crider of Associated General Contractors (AGC) of West Kentucky.
Josh Heisner, ATC principal, discussed the presentations.
“Our upper level carpentry students were engaged with the information provided by the speakers. Brad Power of Power Truss presented the design software used by the business, which fascinated the students. John Hale of Bill Adams Construction and Joel Crider of the AGC of Western Kentucky talked about what all traits employers look for in this field and the importance of getting experience early. Thank you to Brad, John, and Joel for helping our students understand more about their career advancements and what awaits them in the carpentry field."
GCED has distributed releases about three other pathways: accounting, welding, and machine and tool.
Brad Power of Power Truss Inc. presented the design software that they use for projects and discussed the company’s growth.
“The youth are the future of communities. It is important to help set them up for success and show them the opportunities in our area so that we can continue to prosper. We are glad to be part of this effort to make our students aware of what the local industry has to offer,” Power stated.
John Hale spoke to the students about carpentry as a career, traits they look for in employees, and the different types of projects that Bill Adams Construction has worked.
"It's great to partner with the ATC to help students to better understand what is needed for their careers and what types of projects they could work on. The future growth and prosperity of our area depends on students being aware of the opportunities available to them," Hale commented.
Joel Crider of the AGC of Western Kentucky emphasized the importance of gaining experience early.
"When it comes to trade fields, early experience is a crucial investment into your future. The AGC of Western Kentucky is happy to help students understand what the possible path forward looks like for them," Crider explained.
Electricity and Computer Science are the ATC programs that have upcoming press releases.
GCED President Jason Lemle spoke about the importance of this ATC program.
“The Carpentry program at the ATC bolsters the woodworking expertise of our region. The construction sector and lumber industry are foundational to the success of Mayfield and Graves County. By investing in the upper level carpentry students, Power Truss, Bill Adams Construction, and the AGC of Western Kentucky are helping to build the future economic growth of the community.”
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.
