Unemployed and underemployed individuals can now receive financial assistance for work skills training 

The Center for Rural Development is providing essential work skills training classes and financial assistance for unemployed and underemployed individuals in 14 Kentucky coal-impacted counties.

The classes include workforce skills training in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Learning to Lead, and Time Management & Organizational Skills and one class in information technology.

For qualified individuals who live in Bell, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Letcher, McCreary, Perry, Pulaski, and Whitley counties, financial assistance is available. If approved, The Center for Rural Development will fund 80 percent of the participant’s training costs in partnership with ARC.

“Workforce training is an excellent business investment,” said Patti Simpson, manager of the Business & Community Training Center. “Training that addresses workforce skills not only boosts job performance, but also increases job satisfaction and increases employee retention rates.”

Microsoft Office and QuickBooks are some of the in-demand classes requested by businesses to help improve work efficiency in the office and track, organize, and manage financial records.

“Each instructor-led course can be completed in one day,” said Simpson. “Employees are able to gain the training they need to become confident in their skills, without spending extensive time away from the office.”

To learn more about essential work skills training or to receive an application to apply for financial assistance, contact Patti Simpson at 606-677-6000 or email psimpson@centertech.com. All classes are offered at a discounted rate to qualified applicants.