PADUCAH — The Nuclear Energy Development Program, established through Senate Bill 179, is awarding West Kentucky Community Technical College with a $1.5 million towards training a future workforce in support of statewide nuclear energy development initiatives.
The program is administered by the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, following its creation in 2024 through SB 198. The KNEDA was founded in order to coordinate nuclear strategy, promote investment and assist communities in becoming nuclear-ready, according to the Kentucky Senate Republicans Facebook page.
Director of Community Workforce and Economic Development at WKCTC, Ashley Burns, said the grant will allow the institution to become a “regional hub for nuclear industry and education.” She said the investments will be used to develop short-term customized workforce training that will help prospective students jump straight into a career position and fit employer’s needs.
Director of Community Workforce and Economic Development at WKCTC, Ashley Burns.
“We’re really hoping that, through all of these opportunities, that we’re going to be able to really create immediate workforce readiness while also giving our community the opportunity to really have long-term career advancement as well in the nuclear industries,” she said.
Dr. Kate Senn, Vice President of Academic Affairs at WKCTC said the grant will make for a wonderful opportunity for the college to continue building a strong workforce for the future nuclear energy ecosystem.
Dr. Kate Senn, Vice President of Academic Affairs at WKCTC.
“Often as we think about the jobs that are coming in with these new industries, we think about engineers,” Senn said. “But actually there is a full ecosystem that needs to be supported. Through healthcare, through business services, so having our graduates be prepared to work in this evolving industry, no matter what the role is.”
Senn said she believes that the college will grow overall through its nuclear energy partnerships as educators communicate with incoming industries to know what sort of skills and knowledge may be required on the job.