What is the Kentucky Manufacturing Going Pro Signing Day?

The Kentucky Manufacturing Going Pro Signing Day is a partnership between the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) designed to highlight 2020-21 KCTCS college graduates in advanced manufacturing programs who have signed on with an employer for a professional career in advanced manufacturing.

What is the purpose of the event?

To celebrate the 2,986 KCTCS graduates who have signed on with an employer for a professional career in advanced manufacturing. Every year, KCTCS prepares Kentuckians to go pro in high paying careers in advanced manufacturing that lead to a better life.

When and where will the event take place?

On April 29, each of the 16 KCTCS colleges will celebrate their 2020-21 grads and the employers who are hiring them. You can check out our list of graduates based on their college.

Why are careers in Advanced Manufacturing so important?

There are thousands of open positions in advanced manufacturing and employers are having difficulty filling these jobs because of a lack of trained workers. Additionally, these are high paying jobs that provide employees with a career that leads to a better life. According to a 2020 wage and benefits survey from KAM, the overall weighted average wage for participating companies is $23.52 per hour or nearly $49,000 a year.

What role does KCTCS play in support Advanced Manufacturing in Kentucky?

KCTCS is the primary provider of advanced manufacturing training in Kentucky and is the solution to the state’s workforce shortage. KCTCS has more than 435 advanced manufacturing partners statewide.

What advanced manufacturing programs do KCTCS colleges offer?

Each KCTCS colleges offers programing based on the needs of their local advanced manufacturing employers that can include:

• Computerized Machining and Manufacturing
• Welding Technology
• Engineering and Electronics Technology
• Electrical Technology
• Computer Assisted Drafting
• Air Conditioning Technology

KCTCS has more than 135 business partners who offer work and learn experiences through the Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (KY FAME.)