In historic collaboration, Leitchfield woman 1 of 8 ECTC students beginning careers in human resources

ectc-human-resources
ectc-human-resources

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board, Kentucky Career Center – Lincoln Trail and professional services company YRCI, recently celebrated eight students, including one from Grayson County, beginning new careers in human resources.

The students completed a 75-hour training program through ECTC to prepare for full-time remote positions with YRCI, supporting the company’s Federal Human Resources Remote Operations Center.

All students, including Talana Smith, of Leitchfield, will begin their employment by March 25 and continue on-the-job training.

Nivia Griffin, a military spouse of Radcliff, had been laid off from her previous job and was first drawn to the class because she was ready to learn something new. She also was interested in the flexibility YRCI offers.

“I’m really looking forward to on-the-job training, moving forward and continuing to grow,” she said. “That’s what I wanted most in my career; the opportunity to continue to grow.”

The YRCI training program included an introduction to federal HR laws, policies and agency-specific operating procedures, said ECTC Director of External Essential Training Beth Cassity.

“Our partnership with YRCI is a great example of how we help employers build a competitive workforce,” Cassity said, noting that ECTC worked hand-in-hand with the company to deliver the program. “And it’s a win for the training participants who are now on a pathway to a long-term rewarding career with good pay and benefits.”

Jackie Masterson, deputy director for workforce with Lincoln Trail Area Development District, noted the participants will complete On the Job Training with funding from the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board.

“This is the first On the Job Training investment for remote careers in the area,” she said. “In 30 years, I haven’t seen anything quite like this partnership, and it’s very rewarding to see how we can meet the needs of job seekers and employers in new ways.”

YRCI Chief Executive Officer Hans Jaeger applauded the partnership and the program participants.

“As CEO of YRCI, I am thrilled about our partnership with ECTC and the region, which showcases our dedication to fostering talent for the federal human capital sector,” Jaeger said. “This initiative marks a significant step towards empowering individuals with new career opportunities and supporting our community, highlighting our commitment to innovation and excellence in federal HR services. I am excited for the journey ahead.”

For more information about custom workforce training, contact ECTC Workforce Solutions at 270-706-8700.

(Photo: Front row, from left: Megan Clark, of Lebanon; Melanie Edwards, of Elizabethtown; Talana Smith, of Leitchfield; Renita Jacobs, of Radcliff; Nivia Griffin, of Radcliff. Back row, from left: Beth Cassity, ECTC; Justin Sturgeon and Gracey Vanzant, Kentucky Career Center; Frances Ozyurt, of Elizabethtown; Kennidy Edwards, of Elizabethtown; Richard Burton, of Hodgenville; Jackie Masterson and Anthony Hellmueller, Lincoln Trail Area Development District)

By Ken Howlett, News Director and ECTC