Youngblood Excavating & Contracting, LLC (YEC) staffers Brandon Henderson and Todd Jackson recently spoke to the introductory-level welding class at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) and emphasized the future job opportunities that learning skilled trades can provide.
Henderson and Jackson visited the class as part of the “Power in Partnership” program, a joint initiative between the ATC and Graves County Economic Development (GCED) that brings professionals to the ATC classrooms to share their expertise and offer career advice.
“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with all our local trade programs,” said YEC President Brad Youngblood. “They are special to me, as I am a product of these very same programs. In my opinion, we all should invest our time, support and resources in the ATC and similar vocational programs as they are the most valuable path to better our community.”
The speakers discussed the wide range of projects that YEC is involved in, explaining that they have crews working on multiple sites throughout the region and the state. They noted that skilled welders are needed for almost all these projects.
“Thanks to Graves County Economic Development, Principal Josh Heisner, and everyone involved with the Area Technology Center for your hard work to modernize and keep these valuable programs alive,” said Youngblood.
“Thanks to YEC for taking the time to speak to our students and to Graves County Economic Development for collaborating with us on Power in Partnership,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner.
The ATC is located on the Mayfield High School campus and educates students from Mayfield Independent Schools, Graves County High School and Carlisle County High School.
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.
