Governor Andy Beshear has announced significant investments in Kentucky's workforce development programs, which are set to benefit over 11,700 residents through skills training initiatives. The Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC), part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, will oversee these programs aimed at assisting private-sector businesses in establishing industry-specific training.
Gov. Beshear emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong workforce: "One of Kentucky’s greatest strengths is our hard-working, talented and diverse workforce, and we must continue to provide the resources needed for our workers to develop and grow." He added that such efforts are crucial for sustaining the state's economic momentum.
The latest approvals from BSSC include training support for more than 10,000 employees at Ford Motor Co.'s locations in Louisville. Other beneficiaries include Highlands Diversified Services in London with 273 trainees, Steel Technologies in Louisville with 269 employees, F&E Aircraft Maintenance in Erlanger with 209 workers, and Amneal Pharmaceuticals in Glasgow with 121 trainees.
For fiscal year 2025, BSSC approved over $9.5 million for training funds and credits across more than 115 facilities in Kentucky. This follows previous fiscal years where substantial amounts were also allocated; notably, $19 million was approved for fiscal year 2024 to train over 42,600 workers—the highest since 2016.
The state offers employers Grant-in-Aid (GIA) and Skills Training Investment Credit (STIC) programs through BSSC. GIA provides cash reimbursements for occupational training while STIC allows companies to offset costs via state income tax credits. Eligible operations include manufacturing, agribusiness, nonretail service or technology sectors among others.
Further information about the Bluegrass State Skills Corp. can be found on their website at ced.ky.gov/BSSC.
Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has announced more than $35 billion in private-sector investments resulting in over 60,500 jobs—marking a record during any governor's tenure in Kentucky's history. These developments have led to increased wages statewide; since 2022 average incentivized hourly wages have consistently exceeded $26.
Kentucky has become a hub for electric vehicle battery production with major projects like Ford Motor Co.'s BlueOval SK Battery Park and AESC's gigafactory project contributing significantly to this sector. Additionally, Toyota's investment in Scott County and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing's project have further bolstered economic growth.
Under Gov. Beshear’s leadership, Kentucky achieved its largest General Fund budget surplus along with a Rainy Day Fund increase while maintaining job numbers above two million since surpassing this milestone in 2023.
Kentucky has also received credit rating upgrades from Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service reflecting confidence in its financial management strategies.