Greater Paducah Workforce Training
Paducah is proud to be a Certified Work Ready Community, which means our baseline skills are strong and continuously reinforced through our high-performing K-12 schools. Our community is committed to continuously creating a pipeline of skilled workers, ready to meet the needs of employers in every industry. With a solid foundation built on education and a commitment to ongoing skills development, Paducah offers a work-ready, innovative, and adaptable workforce.
The state’s Work Ready Communities program – the most rigorous workforce certification program in the nation – is inspiring meaningful dialogue and action by community, education, government and business leaders across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
K-12 oPPORTUNITIES
At Greater Paducah Economic Development, we understand that workforce development starts early. Through hands-on learning and career-aligned training programs at the high school level, students in Paducah are prepared for whatever path they choose—whether it's moving directly into the workforce or pursuing advanced education.
From an early age, we introduce students to a variety of career paths. The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce plays a crucial role by offering STEM programs and initiatives such as the West Kentucky Launch 8th Grade Expo, which exposes students to career opportunities. Additionally, Paducah’s Innovation Hub serves as a launchpad for creative problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and next-generation workforce solutions.
One of our region's greatest assets is West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC). Through dual enrollment opportunities, high school students can earn up to 60 credit hours toward a certification or associate degree—giving them a significant head start in their careers. Paired with community scholarships, students gain access to a wide range of opportunities that prepare them to succeed in the workforce.
hIGHER eDUCATION
When students choose to pursue higher education, Paducah delivers.
Murray State University, Paducah Regional Campus
Students can earn both Master’s Degrees and Bachelor’s Degrees. With nearly a dozen undergraduate programs include Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Students can earn both Master’s Degrees and Bachelor’s Degrees. With nearly a dozen undergraduate programs include Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
University Of Kentucky College of Engineering, Paducah Campus
Operating in collaboration with Western Kentucky Technical and Community College, UK’s noted College of Engineering offers studies leading to Bachelor’s Degrees in Mechanical, Chemical, and Computer Engineering.
Operating in collaboration with Western Kentucky Technical and Community College, UK’s noted College of Engineering offers studies leading to Bachelor’s Degrees in Mechanical, Chemical, and Computer Engineering.
Western Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC)
In addition to providing dual-enrollment opportunities and custom industrial training services, WKCTC is a go-to educational resource for residents in all stages of life, whether dual-enrollment high school students, traditional-age college students or adult learners taking advantage of a wide range of academic and technical offerings. WKCTC fits well into busy lifestyles with students attending part-time making up 43% of enrollment.
In addition to providing dual-enrollment opportunities and custom industrial training services, WKCTC is a go-to educational resource for residents in all stages of life, whether dual-enrollment high school students, traditional-age college students or adult learners taking advantage of a wide range of academic and technical offerings. WKCTC fits well into busy lifestyles with students attending part-time making up 43% of enrollment.
Area Universities
Greater Paducah’s central location puts residents within a short drive to excellent universities in multiple states, including :
- Murray State University’s Main Campus (46 miles away)
- Southeast Missouri University’s Main Campus (73 miles away)
- Southern Illinois University Main Campus (68 miles away)
- University of Tennessee Martin Campus (62 miles away).
Greater Paducah’s central location puts residents within a short drive to excellent universities in multiple states, including :
- Murray State University’s Main Campus (46 miles away)
- Southeast Missouri University’s Main Campus (73 miles away)
- Southern Illinois University Main Campus (68 miles away)
- University of Tennessee Martin Campus (62 miles away).
30-Day Delivery For Custom Training
WKCTC’s Emerging Technology Center is a premier facility equipped with state-of-the-art tools and a high-bay area to provide cutting-edge training. For businesses, this means access to customized training programs, designed in partnership with the Kentucky Skills Network, with the ability to launch training within just 30 days. These programs ensure that companies receive job-specific training tailored to their unique needs, adaptable to any industry—quickly and effectively.
Kentucky’s incentive programs make this vital service available at little to no cost. With $12.6 million in annual grants and tax credits, training over 25,000 workers each year, our region is equipped to meet the needs of growing businesses.
lIFELONG LEARNING
Workforce development doesn’t stop after high school or college graduation. In Paducah, lifelong learning is within easy reach, thanks to our rich array of educational resources. Whether it's through continuing education programs, trade certifications, or skills enhancement for operational expansion, our residents are always improving their skills to stay competitive in an ever-changing market.
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