Somerset Independent Schools educators visit local manufacturers and learn about aviation’s importance to the economy

An initiative building a talent pipeline for local educators and employers made its way around Pulaski County last week by school bus, enlightening both groups about the skills students have to offer and the job opportunities available to them.

The Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) hosted its fifth Bus to Biz professional development day on Aug. 1, featuring a diverse lineup of businesses and speakers. More than 40 Somerset Independent Schools educators toured Chism Automation and Somerset Pellet Fuel before traveling to the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport to hear from Kentucky Department of Aviation Commissioner Mark Carter about one of Somerset-Pulaski County’s top industries — aviation.

Bus to Biz, a partnership between SPEDA and the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, introduces local educators to the career pathways available in Somerset-Pulaski County. SPEDA and the Chamber plan a day trip for educators to learn about local industries with the hope that educators can better connect students with careers that fit their interests and skill sets while strengthening the local workforce. Both the Pulaski County and Somerset Independent school districts have participated in the program.

SPEDA President and CEO Chris Girdler said the program’s strength is in the diversity of knowledge and experiences it provides. This year, participants gained exposure to two companies that make products distributed across the nation and that have career opportunities in mechanical engineering and materials manufacturing. Chism Automation builds automated machinery for manufacturers, while Somerset Pellet Fuel makes economical and environmentally-friendly wood pellets that provide an alternative home heating source.

“Chism Automation and Somerset Pellet Fuel are two local companies with inspiring entrepreneurial success stories,” Girdler said. “They are starkly different in the products they manufacture, but united in their effort to hire local talent and make a significant nationwide impact. We are blessed to have both of them in Pulaski County, and I think this cohort of Bus to Biz participants took a great deal away from the experience.”

As Somerset Independent works to add an aviation curriculum at the high school in partnership with Eastern Kentucky University, being able to connect with the state’s aviation commissioner and learn about the importance of the industry from inside the community’s state-of-the-art airport was timely, Girdler said. 

“SPEDA takes every opportunity to showcase our airport terminal to groups touring the community,” Girdler said. “We felt it was especially important to do so as Commissioner Carter shared his insight and perspective with these educators. We so greatly appreciate his time and support in emphasizing the importance of aviation to a community’s economy and workforce.”

Cindy Ham, coordinator of federal programs and district assessment instruction supervisor, said in a post-session survey, 100 percent of attendees agreed or strongly agreed the training was beneficial.

“This is my first time attending Bus to Biz, and it has been incredible,” one participant wrote. “Great to get out in the community and learn about careers and learning opportunities for our students.”

Another emphasized that all teachers should participate in this training.

“It’s good to see what jobs are needed in our community and the qualifications the students need for those jobs,” the participant wrote.

Bus to Biz is one of the most effective ways we can bridge the gap between education and industry, Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber Executive Director Bobby Clue said. 

“It not only gives educators valuable firsthand exposure to the careers available right here in Pulaski County, but it also gives our local businesses a platform to showcase the incredible opportunities they offer,” Clue said. “That connection is vital for developing a workforce pipeline, and it aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s mission to support business growth and community success.”

Somerset Independent Schools Superintendent Kyle Lively said the experience is impactful for the district’s educators.

“Bus to Biz equips our teachers and administrators with real-world knowledge about the careers available in our community — knowledge they can bring back to the classroom to better guide students toward meaningful, local career paths,” Lively said. “It’s a powerful tool for building student success and strengthening our local workforce.”

Girdler said the program continues to prove its value as one of the most practical and innovative workforce development initiatives in the region. 

“By connecting educators directly with business leaders and industry insight, we’re cultivating a stronger, more informed talent pool,” Girdler said. “We’re grateful to Somerset Independent Schools for their continued leadership and participation, and we’re excited to expand this program to ensure even more students benefit from these powerful partnerships.”