June 25, 2026
The Plant Manager’s Roundtable held last Thursday morning, hosted by Graves County Economic Development (GCED), featured an overview of the valuable workforce training options available to Graves County employers through West Kentucky Community & Technical College’s (WKCTC’s) Workforce Solutions program. Ashley Burns, WKCTC’s director of Community, Workforce and Economic Development, led the presentation.
Burns explained that Workforce Solutions designs, develops, and delivers training that is employer-informed, meaning it is personalized to fit specific needs. “We build programs around real skill gaps and bring in industry professionals as subject matter experts,” she added.
Programs already underway in Graves County include employee training at Premier Candle’s facility in Hickory, and a Graves County High School program that prepares students for dual enrollment at WKCTC, helps them earn early credentials, and sets them on direct paths into local employers. They are also partnering with the Graves County Jail to offer welding classes for inmates. “That’s an inspiring program,” said Burns. “We are really changing people’s lives.”
Wade Dinkins, Human Resources Manager at Premier Candle, said initially he was skeptical about Workforce Solutions, but came away an advocate. “We had lots of different needs, but you were very flexible—you accommodated everything we needed to do and the classes are very specific.”
“It’s a great program and we are very proud of it,” said Dinkins. “Thank you for getting it together for us.”
For Premier Candle, and other new courses built for Graves County companies, the Kentucky Community & Technical College System TRAINS grant provides funding appropriated by the Kentucky General Assembly that covers 75% of the cost to develop and provide in-depth, customized employee training.
GCED President Jason Lemle recently met with Burns and her staff and going forward, he wants to strengthen the relationships between the college and local employers. “Let’s be sure to use all the resources WKCTC has to offer,” said Lemle. “As the leaders of our local companies, your input will guide the process and ultimately determine the value it has to offer.”
Burns said she is eager to foster those partnerships: “We're already in Graves County. We're at Premier Candle. We're at the high school. We have proven programs that are ready to deploy. Workforce development is economic development, and we're built to be your partner in both.”
The bi-monthly Plant Manager’s Roundtable meetings offer an easy way for industry leaders to network and learn more about local programs and projects that could impact their companies. Subjects vary and attendees are encouraged to provide programming suggestions. The next Roundtable will be held in August. For more information, contact GCED at 270.247.0626.
Founded in 1981, Graves County Economic Development has become the driving force behind business expansion and development opportunities in the community. GCED continues to foster strong relationships with existing businesses and attracts new industry to Graves County. We strive to make our community a better place to work, live and raise a family.
We have designed services and training opportunities to increase economic development in our region. From industrial maintenance and team building to computer robotics instruction and continuing education for those licensed in technical careers, we provide excellent training services to employees of all trades to upgrade their skills.
Contact Ashley Burns at 270.534.3335
