Gov. Andy Beshear announced that over 4,200 Kentuckians will receive skills training supported by $2.1 million from the Bluegrass State Skills Corp. (BSSC). This initiative is part of Kentucky's effort to enhance its workforce and economy.
In fiscal year 2024, the BSSC board approved around $19 million in funds and credits for 104 facilities, training over 42,600 workers. "The commonwealth is home to an incredibly hardworking and talented workforce," said Gov. Beshear. "The Bluegrass State Skills Corp. is crucial to our workforce training and development."
Recent approvals include support for 920 employees at the Bluegrass Business Consortium in Berea and 461 workers at Perfetti Van Melle USA in Erlanger. The BSSC board also approved more than $1.7 million for over 4,000 trainees across 26 facilities during a meeting in August.
Previously, Gov. Beshear announced over $10 million for fiscal year 2023 to train nearly 35,000 workers and over $8.4 million in fiscal year 2022 for more than 35,400 employees.
Employers benefit from BSSC’s Grant-in-Aid (GIA) and Skills Training Investment Credit (STIC) programs which provide cash reimbursements and tax credits for training programs.
Eligible operations include manufacturing, agribusiness, nonretail service or technology sectors among others.
Kentucky has experienced significant economic growth with over $35 billion in investments since Gov. Beshear took office, creating more than 60,000 jobs—the highest investment figure under any governor in state history.
Notable projects include Ford Motor Co.'s and SK On’s $5.8 billion BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County and AESC’s $2 billion gigafactory project in Warren County.
The administration also achieved the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund with job numbers exceeding two million consistently since 2023.
Kentucky received rating increases from Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service.