Professional development program aims to help teachers understand the community’s workforce needs

Educators at Meece Middle and Somerset High School returned to the classroom this week with a greater understanding of the community’s workforce needs, having just completed another Bus to Biz professional development session. 

Nearly 35 teachers hopped on a yellow school bus Aug. 1 to tour the facilities of two of the community’s major manufacturers — Kingsford and UGN — before arriving at The Virginia for a presentation from the local chapter of the Kentucky Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (KY FAME). The day’s theme centered on local manufacturing jobs available and higher education programs that marry apprenticeship-style training with classroom education to develop a pipeline of advanced manufacturing technicians.

Bus to Biz, a partnership between the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (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, which has now provided four professional development sessions.

“I enjoyed traveling with this group of educators as they visited Kingsford and UGN, two manufacturers making a significant impact in our local economy that often go unnoticed,” said Chris Girdler, SPEDA president and CEO. “You could almost see the dots being connected for them as they learned what these companies do, what skillsets they support, and what impressive wages they pay for starting positions. And then to top the day off by sharing what I think is Kentucky’s best-kept secret, the Kentucky FAME program, which helps interested students get a college education in this field while also getting real-world experience — it was a fun and rewarding day.”

Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber Executive Director Bobby Clue said Bus to Biz days benefit both educators and local businesses.

“Not only are these educators getting an inside look into jobs of the future for their students, these local businesses are getting great exposure, and that is at the heart of our mission at the Chamber,” Clue said. “Whether UGN receives a recommendation for a new employee or someone on that tour goes out and buys a bag of Kingsford Charcoal as a result of their Bus to Biz experience, we’ve accomplished our mission.”

Somerset Independent Schools Superintendent Kyle Lively said the district is grateful for such a beneficial learning experience for faculty and staff.

“The Bus to Biz professional development provides Somerset’s teachers, support staff, and administrators unique insight that enables them to better connect students to potential employers and/or career pathways right here in our community,” Lively said. “It’s a great tool to potentially boost our local workforce and also help ensure that all Somerset graduates are successful citizens.”

Cindy Ham, coordinator of federal programs and district assessment instruction supervisor, said the district’s educators look forward to this professional development opportunity every year and enjoy making connections that help them see the full picture of the community’s workforce needs.

“It is so important for our teachers to learn about the job opportunities and skills needed so that they can make sure our students are prepared for a career after they graduate,” Ham said. “The Bus to Biz training has given our teachers a firsthand look at how they need to prepare students for their future.”

Girdler commended Somerset Independent Schools for continuing to support the Bus to Biz initiative.

“Time and time again, no matter the opportunity we present them with, Somerset Independent leaders jump at the chance to do something new and innovative that can take the educational experience to a new level for students and teachers. We appreciate their partnership and look forward to the next professional development day with Bus to Biz.”