An Estill County student, accompanied by an associate from Toyota Manufacturing, signs a commitment letter during the Kentucky Community and Technical College System’s “Going Pro” signing day, marking the beginning of a journey into advanced manufacturing training. Photo by Myles Young, Kentucky Department of Education, April 4, 2025

(FRANKFORT, KY) – Numerous upcoming graduates were recognized by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Office of Career and Technical Education for beginning their professional careers at a “Going Pro” signing day event at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort on April 4.

The event kicked off Kentucky’s Talent Take-off, the Going Pro signing season for high schools and KCTCS colleges. Signing day was also the first event to kick off Community College Month.

This spring, each of the 16 KCTCS colleges will be hosting events to celebrate the employment success of students and that Kentucky employers are filling high-skilled, in-demand job openings.

The KCTCS is comprised of regional colleges and a system office to serve all areas of the state. With an annual enrollment of over 107,000 students, KCTCS is Kentucky’s largest provider of workforce training and postsecondary education.

KDE recently joined KCTCS in adopting the Going Pro brand. KDE Career and Technical Education (CTE) Associate Commissioner Beth Hargis spoke on the importance of CTE and its partnerships with employers.

“We are so proud of our students who are successfully starting careers in critical infrastructure jobs,” Hargis said. “These jobs are essential for the future of our Commonwealth, and at the same time, allow our graduates to achieve competitive salaries.”

Kentucky Department of Education Career and Technical Education Associate Commissioner Beth Hargis speaks to students, school staff and employers during the “Going Pro” signing day event at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. Photo by Myles Young, Kentucky Department of Education, April 4, 2025

One goal of KCTCS is to help combat a national workforce shortage, particularly in STEM careers.

During 2023-2024, nearly 84% of all KCTCS credentials awarded were in programs aligned to the state’s top five targeted industry sectors – advanced manufacturing, business/IT, construction/skilled trades, healthcare and transportation/logistics.

“From plumbing to radiology technicians, we are supplying Kentucky employers with the talent they need to sustain and grow,” KCTCS President Ryan Quarles said. “None of this would be possible without our employer partners, who help our faculty stay apprised of industry trends and needs.”

Quarles explained that KCTCS works closely with partners from KDE, the Education and Labor Cabinet, the Cabinet for Economic Development, the Kentucky Chamber, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Association of Economic Development, the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky and the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.

Several employers — like Toyota and LG&E KU — and students who signed on to their companies spoke at the event.

The Council on Postsecondary Education’s Leslie Sizemore, Kentucky Chamber President Ashli Watts and Kentucky Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe also spoke.