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Photo: Kentucky Labor Department
Last month, the Labor Cabinet conducted 33 free on-site visits, or “consultative surveys,” for employers across Kentucky. As a result of these surveys, employers corrected 227 serious violations that could have resulted in enforcement penalties of up to $1,589,000.
The Labor Cabinet’s Division of Occupational Safety & Health Education & Training leads the Cabinet’s proactive efforts to create safe and healthful workplace conditions, including overseeing a new web-based training service called eTrain (www.KYSAFE.KY.GOV). This new online training module will offer a variety of safety and health training topics, certificates, and live and recorded webinars all at no cost.
In addition to eTrain, the Cabinet provides free consultative services to employers across Kentucky on ways to increase workplace safety – including how to improve Injury and Illness Rates. Services include free on-site consultations to all employers, as well as other compliance assistance, educational materials, and class-style training for all employers.
Last year, the Division conducted 350 free consultative surveys for employers across Kentucky. This resulted in employers correcting 3,813 serious conditions that could have affected up to 108,307 employees resulting in enforcement penalties of up to $26,691,000.
Additional information is available at http://labor.kentucky.gov.
Follow the Kentucky Labor Cabinet on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.
Photo: Kentucky Labor Cabinet
Last month, the Labor Cabinet recouped $43,785.07 in unpaid wages for Kentucky workers.
Unpaid overtime, withheld final paychecks, illegal deductions of pay and lower pay than the legal minimum wage requirement are among the types of wage and hour violations that the Cabinet prosecutes. Other examples include unpaid breaks, time-clock shaving, mandatory tip-pooling and prevailing wage violations.
The Labor Cabinet’s Division of Wages, Hours, & Mediation is responsible for enforcing Kentucky’s wage and hour and child labor laws. It also enforces prevailing wage requirements that were in effect before the enactment of H.B. 3. Enforcement typically begins upon the receipt of a complaint. Investigators are then assigned to the case to determine compliance with the state’s wage and hour laws, monitor the correction of any violations, and collect back wages improperly withheld from employees. To find out more about the Commonwealth’s wage and hour laws, please check Division of Wages, Hours, & Mediation website by clicking HERE. An Employment Complaint Form can be found HERE.
Follow the Kentucky Labor Cabinet on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.
Building upon their own successes, two of the city’s major players in Louisville’s IT education marketplace have cracked the code of how to strengthen their students’ work-ready skills.
Jefferson Community & Technical College and Code Louisville announced today a collaboration that provides Jefferson students credits for courses completed through the Code Louisville web development program.
“Web development is one of our high-growth, high-demand sectors, providing jobs with a future that you can support a family on,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “In an increasingly competitive job market, this partnership gives Louisville students more accessibility to securing a career in software development.”
The courses Jefferson offers align perfectly with Code Louisville’s classes and will provide a seamless transition to completing a credential.
Each 12-week Code Louisville course is worth three credit hours towards a Jefferson certificate or degree in Computer and Information Technology. This means a student can take one course at Jefferson plus three Code Louisville courses and earn a Programming Certificate or be well on their way to completing the Software Development Specialization sequence as part of an associate’s degree.
“As the community’s college, it is up to us to ensure our community’s employers have the workforce they need to grow their business, and, in turn, grow Louisville’s economy,” said Jefferson president Dr. Ty Handy. “Jefferson is expanding its Computer and Information Technology programs to keep up with the demand and we are eager to break ground on a new IT facility that will foster an exponential increase in developers.”
Jefferson’s plan for a new Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology Center was recently approved by the governor’s Work Ready Skills Committee. The group appropriated more than $15 million for construction and the college is looking to raise several million more. It could open as soon as Spring of 2019.
Code Louisville, a free training program of KentuckianaWorks, was launched in late 2013 to expand the pool of web developers in the region. Students learn web development using the latest technology and practices. Aided by expert mentors and online software, students complete coding projects and build portfolios of their work. More than 500 students have graduated Code Louisville with a quarter of those now in new jobs or advancing with their current employer.
“Virtually every business is now a ‘technology company’ and Code Louisville is designed to quickly provide people the skills that employers are demanding,” said Michael Gritton, executive director of KentuckianaWorks. “Partnering with Jefferson will help individuals launch strong technology careers and help our region’s employers keep pace with their rapidly growing and changing technology needs.”
For more information about Code Louisville, including applying for courses, hiring graduates or mentoring students, visit codelouisville.org. For more information about the IT classes offered at Jefferson, visit www.jefferson.kctcs.edu/academics/programs_of_study/cit.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Marty Pollio announced today that Ballard High School Principal Staci Eddleman has been reassigned to a new position in the district as its director of Title I/II Services. The search begins immediately for a new principal at Ballard.
“During her entire career with JCPS, Dr. Staci Eddleman has been a champion for all students,” Dr. Pollio said. “Staci’s experience in both priority and nonpriority schools gives her a unique perspective, as I’ve challenged her to rethink the way our district allocates funds to support students, teachers and schools.”
Title I funding is provided to school districts by the federal government. The funding must be used to support schools with high numbers and/or high percentages of children from low-income families. The funding helps ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.
Title II funds are intended to increase the number of high-quality, effective teachers and principals. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes—from recruiting and retaining teachers to reducing class sizes or providing professional development.
“I am emotional about leaving my post at Ballard, but this opportunity is a perfect next step in my career,” Dr. Eddleman said. “The opportunity to impact tens of thousands of students outside the walls of just one school is appealing, and I appreciate the vision of Dr. Pollio as he looks to reimagine the way we support our staff, students and schools across the district.”
The Ballard School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council will immediately begin the process of seeking a replacement for Dr. Eddleman. A new principal is expected to be named before the start of the 2017-18 school year.
Photo: Kentucky Labor Cabinet
Gov. Matt Bevin and Labor Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes joined officials from Norton Healthcare in Louisville last week to announce a new apprenticeship for nurses that is one of the first of its kind in the country.
This Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program is a paid apprenticeship that provides educational and clinical experiences over 12 to 18 months to prepare students for a registered nurse role after graduation. Eligible students include nurses who are in their junior year of a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing program or with one semester completed of an associate degree in nursing program.
“Innovative training programs, like this one at Norton Healthcare, deserve to be celebrated,” said Gov. Bevin. “I have challenged Kentucky employers to think and act boldly, and Norton Healthcare has answered that challenge in an impressive way. This apprenticeship program is one of the first of its kind in the country and will be transformational for Norton’s workforce. I believe it will inspire other employers around Kentucky to explore ways that apprenticeships can take their business—and Kentucky—to the next level.”
With just over 70,000 active registered nurses currently in Kentucky, it is projected that an additional 4,500 nurses will be needed in the next 10 years to meet demand. The 125 new apprentices in this program will both provide Norton Healthcare with an effective workforce recruitment and training tool while also displaying the potential that this could bring to other healthcare providers across the county.
“The ‘Kentucky Trained. Kentucky Built.’ registered apprenticeship initiative encompasses a new era of apprentice able trades never before seen in the Commonwealth, and today provides a fitting example of this,” Labor Secretary Derrick Ramsey stated. “Nursing is a new frontier for apprenticeships, but with Norton Healthcare’s vision, we couldn’t be more excited to partner with them and the new student nurse apprentices who are taking advantage of this wonderful program to further their careers. It’s a win for Norton Healthcare, the apprentices, and the entire healthcare community as we continue to seek ways to address the workforce needs in this critical industry.”
Serving the Greater Louisville region and beyond for more than 130 years, the hospital and health care system is the Louisville area’s third largest private employer. The Louisville-based not-for-profit system includes five Louisville hospitals with 1,837 licensed beds; seven outpatient centers; 13 Norton Immediate Care Centers; more than 14,000 employees; more than 850 employed medical providers; and approximately 2,000 total physicians on its medical staff.
“We know the value in having highly trained nurses and other professionals to help us meet the health care needs of our community,” said Russell F. Cox, president and chief executive officer, Norton Healthcare. “By offering an apprenticeship for nurses, we not only help individual students reach their goals, but we help ensure we continue to have these highly trained professionals.”
“This program will reinforce nursing education and awareness of the professional nurse role, as well as help increase the students’ self-confidence and understanding of organizational structure and operations within a world-class health care setting,” said Tracy E. Williams, DNP, R.N., senior vice president and system chief nursing officer, Norton Healthcare.
This program will work in conjunction with the student’s school of nursing while learning hands-on experience with a Norton Healthcare mentor. Upon completion of the training program, the apprentice will receive a nationally recognized certification allowing employers, such as Norton, to better meet expectations of their patients through a highly-skilled and trained workforce.
The “Kentucky Trained. Kentucky Built.” initiative, launched last year, signals Kentucky’s recommitment of new energy and resources toward strengthening apprenticeships across Kentucky. Since last November, the number of apprentices in Kentucky have increased by 39 percent. In total, the Kentucky Labor Cabinet has registered nearly 1,100 different programs with employers including a new emphasis on growing trades within the healthcare and information technology sectors.
For more information on Registered Apprenticeships, visit www.KentuckyApprenticeship.com.
Follow the Kentucky Labor Cabinet on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.
Gov. Matt Bevin has issued an executive order expanding the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship to include Kentuckians who do not have a high school diploma but are working to achieve their GED concurrent with skills education.
“The central idea of the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship is to get thousands of adults to the first or second rung of a high demand career ladder,” said Education and Workforce Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner. “It’s extremely important that we remove as many barriers as possible to this process, and for thousands of Kentuckians, that barrier is not having a high school diploma.”
The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program was designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers in five of Kentucky’s fastest-growing workforce industries:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Business and IT
- Construction Trades
- Healthcare
- Transportation and Logistics
The scholarship provides tuition for up to 32 credit hours for eligible Kentuckians who have not yet earned at least an associate’s degree and are seeking certificates or diplomas in one of these five industries.
Those wishing to pursue their career certification in tandem with obtaining a GED can do so through the Accelerating Opportunity Kentucky program offered through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
You can learn more about the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship through helpwantedky.com, including eligibility requirements, participating colleges and universities, and certificates and diplomas available in each of the five industries.
“Helpwantedky.com, as well as the Help Wanted Kentucky Facebook and Twitter pages are channels for adults in Kentucky, regardless of age, to learn about jobs that pay well and are in high demand,” said Heiner.
Beginning this fall, students enrolled in an automotive or diesel technology program with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) can apply to gain paid, hands-on experience with local Department of Highways maintenance garages through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) new Transportation Mechanic Apprenticeship Program (TMAP).
As the state’s first automotive technician apprenticeship program registered with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet’s Division of Apprenticeship (and one of only two such programs in the Commonwealth listed with the Labor Cabinet), TMAP presents a unique opportunity for high school graduates entering the workforce and for individuals seeking a new career pathway.
“Partnering with KCTCS to provide an automotive technician apprenticeship program benefits Kentucky’s workforce and assists our KYTC mission,” said Transportation Sec. Greg Thomas. “TMAP apprentices will help maintain and repair the equipment our road crews use to provide a safe and reliable transportation system for all who travel Kentucky’s roadways. TMAP also offers opportunities for Kentuckians to improve their quality of life through practical training as they work toward their associate’s degree.”
Whether apprentices continue their career with KYTC after graduating the program or decide to pursue an automotive position elsewhere, they will have a nationally recognized certification to present to future employers.
The Kentucky Occupational Outlook to 2024 (for years 2014-2024) indicates an 11.5 percent increase in demand for automotive service technicians and mechanics and a 22.5 percent increase for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. Currently, KYTC has a demand for individuals across Kentucky who possess the skills specific to those trades.
“Under the Labor Cabinet’s ‘Kentucky Trained. Kentucky Built.’ initiative, our goal is to increase apprenticeship programs and expand the variety of trades represented to meet workforce goals throughout the state,” said Labor Sec. Derrick Ramsey. “The demand for highly skilled laborers isn’t exclusive to the private sector; public agencies need employees with specialized skill sets as well.”
To be considered for KYTC’s TMAP, an individual must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, have an acceptable criminal record report and be enrolled in an automotive or diesel technology program through KCTCS. Interested TMAP candidates can take advantage of the close proximity of hands-on training and educational opportunities.
“The statewide availability of KYTC’s apprenticeship program locations offers Kentuckians seeking a career the convenience of not having to commute long distances,” said Ramona Brock, KYTC apprenticeship program coordinator. “Transportation maintenance garages are located in all 12 districts, and KCTCS provides an automotive program in every district and a diesel technology program in nine of the 12 districts.”
Apprentices participating in TMAP will gain 2,000 hours of combined coursework and hands-on experience over a period of two years and will be subject to a four-month probationary period. Work ethic and willingness to learn and take direction are necessary for satisfactory completion of the program. TMAP apprentices will receive increasing pay opportunities, starting at $9.50 per hour and potentially advancing to $14.42 upon graduating. After satisfactorily completing TMAP, graduates will receive a nationally recognized credential in addition to their two-year college degree.
KYTC’s Transportation Mechanic Apprenticeship Program meets national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Kentucky Labor Cabinet’s Division of Apprenticeship.
TMAP candidates can access additional information about the program and download an application at transportation.ky.gov/Education or can email Ramona.Brock@ky.gov. The deadline to submit a TMAP application is Sept. 15.
