MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– Governor Matt Bevin spent the day jet-setting from airport to airport across the state to announce new job opportunities for former coal workers, veterans, and young people.
The governor landed just in time for the Monday morning project announcement a the Central Kentucky Regional Airport. Eastern Kentucky University, which is one of the schools taking part, is receiving a $1.5 million grant.
Congressman Andy Barr joined the governor saying that although unemployment is at a low, more technical education is needed to address the skills gap.
“Economic growth soaring above 3 percent but the reality is, labor participation rates still can be better. We can still supply more workers and this grant is a great example of how we can provide additional skills for in-demand jobs,” said Barr.
He said that the program is more than an investment, as those who get jobs after this become new taxpayers.
“Aviation and aerospace offer tremendous upsides to young people so I encourage kids to be aware of the opportunities that exist and to study what’s available here at Eastern Kentucky University. This is an incredible university right in our backyard,” said Bevin.
The 18-month program will accept its first 32 students to begin in January 2020. By the end of their training, students will test for their AMT certification and be able to work at airports across the country.
