Community Connections Internship Fair Video

More than 400 high school juniors embarked on a journey to discover their passions and build their careers at the recent Community Connections Internship Fair

On Target

Our bi-monthly newsletter with updates on local economic development

Upcoming Activities & Events

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Workforce & Talent Development Programs

Explore the programs and initiatives investing in Graves County's workforce — connecting students, job seekers, and employers across the region.

Community Connections

School Affiliated

Community Connections gives high school sophomores a first-hand look at local careers through guided tours and interactions with businesses and industry leaders in Graves County.

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KY FAME West Kentucky Chapter

School Affiliated

KY FAME's West Kentucky Chapter is a partnership of regional manufacturers and West Kentucky Community and Technical College offering apprenticeship-style training that leads to the Advanced Manufacturing Technician certification.

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Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center

School Affiliated

The Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center prepares students from Mayfield, Graves County, and Carlisle County for college and career success through hands-on technical training and industry-aligned programs.

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Murray State University Career Services

School Affiliated

Murray State University Career Services connects Graves County employers with a skilled talent pool of students and alumni through career fairs, recruiting events, internships, and on-campus interviews.

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Murray State University School of Engineering

School Affiliated

Murray State University's EAC/ABET accredited School of Engineering offers a broad range of four-year degrees and programs with state-of-the-art facilities and small class sizes.

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Power in Partnership

School Affiliated

Power in Partnership is a collaborative program between Graves County Economic Development and the Mayfield-Graves County ATC that connects students with local career professionals for real-world insight into their chosen pathways.

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SkillRise 270

Independent

SkillRise270 is a collaborative community Makerspace in Graves County offering hands-on access to tools, technologies, and training to develop workforce skills, support entrepreneurs, and drive local economic growth.

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West Kentucky Community & Technical College Workforce Solutions

School Affiliated

West Kentucky Community & Technical College offers customized workforce training, career services, and employment resources to connect Graves County businesses with a skilled job-ready talent pool.

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West Kentucky Workforce Board

Independent

The West Kentucky Workforce Board assists new and existing businesses with recruitment, training incentives, customized training, and skill development to support workforce growth in the region.

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Skybox Partners

Our partnerships with various organizations, businesses, and community groups help us to better serve our residents and achieve our goals. Here are some of our valued partners

Trusted by Our Community

Hear from the businesses, industries, and organizations we're proud to partner with in Graves County.

More Community Voices

Vicki Morgan

Human Resources Manager

Progress Rail

"We greatly value our partnership with the Graves County Economic Development team. Through our collaboration, we have successfully hosted student tours through the Power in Partnership program that provide meaningful exposure to our operations and help strengthen future talent pipeline within our community. Their team is consistently responsive, proactive, and committed to supporting our needs. They play a vital role in promoting workforce development initiatives and are a trusted partner in helping drive our continued business growth."

Kevin Wiggins

COO

WK&T

"As a sponsor of the MakeMyMove initiative, WK&T has seen firsthand how GCED brings people, ideas, and opportunity together in a way that truly benefits the community. Their commitment to local progress makes them a trusted partner and we're proud to support the work they do every day."

Heather Bruce

President & CEO

Osmundson

"Osmundson's experience working with Jason Lemle and the Graves County Economic Development team has been instrumental in establishing our operations in Mayfield and Graves County.

From the early stages, Jason and the GCED team were highly responsive, well-connected, and proactive in supporting our needs. Whether it was helping us connect with local workforce resources, sharing qualified candidate referrals, or providing introductions to key service providers, their support has been both practical and impactful.

What stood out most was their willingness to stay engaged throughout the process and offer solutions quickly as needs arose. Their local knowledge and network have made a meaningful difference in helping us navigate and build within the community.

We appreciate the partnership and look forward to continuing to work together as we grow our presence in the region."

Amanda Rorer

Marketing Officer

First Kentucky Bank

"First Kentucky Bank is proud to be a Skybox investor with Graves County Economic Development, supporting initiatives that drive economic growth in Mayfield and Graves County. Through this relationship, we have contributed to impactful projects like the Exit 25 Interchange Enhancement, including the bridge beautification effort, as well as Power in Partnership, a workforce program connecting students with local professionals.

Our partnership with GCED has been both meaningful and far-reaching. Beyond financial support, we have engaged in community and school initiatives that strengthen our region and reflect GCED’s commitment to collaboration and long-term impact. We value the strong relationship we’ve built and are proud to support GCED as they continue helping our community prosper."

Latest News and Updates

June 25, 2026
Roundtable Offers Managers Facts on WKCTC Job Training Programs

GCED's Plant Manager's Roundtable featured WKCTC Workforce Solutions director Ashley Burns, who outlined customized training programs already underway in Graves County — including employer-funded courses at Premier Candle and a welding program at the Graves County Jail. Premier Candle's HR Manager Wade Dinkins, initially skeptical, called the program flexible and highly specific to his company's needs.

June 4, 2026
New GCED Video Features Student Perspective on Career Program

A new video spotlights how the Power in Partnership program is turning classroom training into real career opportunities for local students. Recent Graves County High School graduate Luke Grantham shares how a program field trip to Universal Compressor Solutions led directly to an internship — and a promising start to his career in manufacturing.

May 7, 2026
Usher Projects a Bright Future for Electrical Students

Dale Usher and Brian Webb from Usher, Inc. visited ATC electricity students through Power in Partnership, sharing career advice and highlighting major upcoming electrical projects — including two uranium enrichment facilities — that could bring significant local job opportunities.