November 3, 2026
Human Resources Manager Alayna Stinnett and Roadmaster Josh Morris from Paducah & Louisville Railway, Inc. (PAL) recently visited the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) to speak with students in the ATC’s upper-level welding program about careers available at PAL, work requirements, potential salaries, and other rail industry topics.
The visit was part of Power in Partnership, a collaboration between the ATC and Graves County Economic Development (GCED) that brings employers and professionals to the classroom to share their expertise and offer career advice.
“P&L Railway believes it is important to connect with students, especially those pursuing vocational and technical trades, to help them understand the wide range of career opportunities available in the railroad industry,” said Stinnett.
“We’ve learned that many students are unaware of the opportunities we offer, beyond operating a train, particularly if they don’t have an immediate family member working in the industry. Visits like this one to Mayfield-Graves County Area Technical Center allow us to introduce students to career pathways they may have never considered and open their eyes to the possibilities their skills and training can provide. We want students to know that their technical education can lead to rewarding careers in the railroad industry,” she added.
PAL is a full-service, 280-mile regional railroad that handles a broad range of commodities, including coal, chemicals, auto frames, crushed limestone, lumber, food, and agricultural products. They serve over 100 industries, and handle approximately 150,000 carloads annually.
“One of the best aspects of Power in Partnership is the wide range of companies that participate,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “Our students are engaging with local entrepreneurs, mid-size manufacturing interests, and then a very specialized company like PAL, and they learn that there are jobs for them at all these different places. That variety is interesting to young people and encourages them to find a job that matches their personality and interests. We are really grateful to PAL for coming over and taking time to introduce our students to an entirely new employment opportunity and show them what it takes to become part of that industry.”
“We realize that a well-trained workforce is important both to local companies looking to expand and new companies that are considering Graves County,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “By participating in Power in Partnership, PAL Railway is investing in that future workforce and inspiring these students to achieve. We really appreciate their support.”
The ATC’s Welding Program prepares students for industry or other job-related fields. Students are taught different welding methods including Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Students are trained in layout, blueprint reading, work orders, job site safety, and estimating materials for the job.
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.
Power in Partnership visits will continue throughout the school year. If you have questions, or want to learn more, contact us.
