The statewide Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) “Going Pro” initiative continued recently on the Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC) Knox Campus, recognizing students committing to high-demand careers in their communities.
The celebration took place April 29 during the Barbourville Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting. Knox County Judge Executive Mike Mitchell delivered remarks highlighting the importance of workforce development in the region and introduced the students being recognized.
Among those honored:
- Tyler Warren, a graduate of SKCTC’s CDL program, broke performance records during his licensing exam and now works as a route driver for Pepsi Cola Company in Corbin.
- James Burchel Blevins, a journeyman plumber student, is employed with Blevins & Son’s Plumbing in London.
- Robert Jacob Mayne, also a journeyman plumber student, is working with Mayne Stream Plumbing in Girdler.
- Peyton Mason, a combination welding student, will begin working as a welder with T & T Farm Services LLC in London, starting in May.
- Ta’Mia Bledsoe, a medical assisting student, has accepted a position with Access Health in Barbourville.
The “Going Pro” initiative honors students entering the workforce immediately after graduation, whether or not they are able to attend the ceremony. These students represent the next generation of skilled professionals committed to making a difference in their communities.
Sponsored by the Kentucky Community & Technical College System and the Kentucky Department of Education, “Going Pro” celebrations are being held across the Commonwealth this spring.
During the 2023–24 academic year, nearly 95 percent of all KCTCS credentials awarded were in programs aligned with the state’s top five targeted industry sectors—advanced manufacturing, business/IT, construction/skilled trades, healthcare and transportation/logistics—or designed to transfer to a four-year university.
The Somerset Community College recently made a similar announcement honoring the following health sciences and technical industries students, who had secured jobs with Baptist Health Corbin, including: Kelly Freeman (medical assisting), Lily Kidd (medical laboratory technician) and Morgan Boggs and Olivia Robinson (both radiography).
For more information, visit goingpro.kctcs.edu.
