KY GreenWorks

Purpose The Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) is proposing the KY GreenWorks project. This is a collaborative project to create and implement workforce development programs to address labor issues across Kentucky’s green and ag tech industries. Project activities that will connect and prepare workers for job opportunities in the agriculture industry include a multi-sector industry evaluation, apprenticeship and internship workforce training programs, and an industry cluster employer training and support program. This comprehensive workforce development project will have high impact for students, low-income job seekers, private companies, and governmental agencies across Kentucky Background University of Kentucky (UK) is a land-grant educational institution in Kentucky that provides direct technical assistance to producers and agribusinesses. Extension is a people-first approach to helping individuals access the skills, support, and education needed to ensure long-term success. These opportunities help individuals by supporting the job search, optimizing employability, educating producers and business owners, and fostering community connections. Activities and Expertise UK personnel will perform the following activities as part of KHC’s DOL WORC project KY GreenWorks. ? Organize and participate in programming for UK/Kentucky State University (KSU) Extension personnel, educators, business owners, and employees on specialty crop production, controlled environment agriculture, arborists, and the lawn and landscape industry. Includes hosting in-person and virtual workshops on production, personnel management, and employee recruitment for green industry and controlled environment businesses. ? Create and curate content (newsletter articles, one-pagers and blog posts) targeted at green industry and controlled environment businesses. ? Manage internship program for green industry and controlled environment businesses, including business recruitment, student enrollment, and monitoring student completion of core competencies and required paperwork. ? Participate in calls and meetings with other partnering organizations to discuss and implement collaborative efforts.