Join us as we dive into the exciting world of Prosper Appalachia at EKCEP! We'll explore how these initiatives equip young people in Eastern Kentucky with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today's workforce. From career exploration and internships to valuable advice for young job seekers, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Plus, we'll share stories from our recent visits to local high schools and highlight the incredible impact of Prosper Appalachia.

EKCEP Quick Tip: Keep an Open Mind and explore apprenticeships and other alternative pathways to career success. College is not the only option!

Local Labor Market Limelight: A spotlight on in-demand industries and job opportunities in Eastern Kentucky discover the world of Water Plant Workers.

Stay tuned for more! We'll return with more tips, local labor market insights, and inspiring stories from Eastern Kentucky.

Remember: Whether you're looking for a job, want to advance your career, or are a business leader seeking skilled workers, EKCEP is here for you! Visit ekcep.org or your local Kentucky Career Center JobSight for more information.

Links:
Ekcep: ekcep.org
Teleworks USA: jobsight.org/work-from-home
Visit us on YouTube youtube.com/@ekcep
Learn more about Prosper Appalachia here: Prosper Appalachia: Exploring Careers & Building Futures in Eastern KY

Take a look at what barriers are keeping Kentuckians from working and how EKCEP comes alongside job seekers to remove each barrier so that you can find your dream career.

EKCEP Quick Tip: Nailing your interview takes preparation. Find out how we can help you succeed in your next interview. 

Local Labor Market Limelight: We are offering FREE online Customer Service training! 

Visit teleworksusa.com to locate your nearest Kentucky Career Center, where you can connect with a career advisor who can help you get started.

This training is ideal for people who want to prepare for legitimate work-from-home positions, and is an opportunity for an industry-recognized credential.

Stay tuned for more! We'll be back with more tips, local labor market insights, and inspiring stories from Eastern Kentucky.

Remember: Whether you're looking for a job, want to advance your career, or are a business leader seeking skilled workers, EKCEP is here for you! Visit ekcep.org or your local Kentucky Career Center JobSight for more information.

Links:

• EKCEP: ekcep.org
• Teleworks USA: jobsight.org/work-from-home
• Visit us on YouTube: youtube.com/@ekcep 

Let's Get to Work, Eastern Kentucky!

Get to know your hosts, Jen and Jaeclinn! We share our career journeys and how we landed at EKCEP.

What's a CEP? We break down what a Concentrated Employment Program is, how EKCEP fits in, and how we've evolved over the years.

EKCEP Quick Tip: Don't go it alone on your career journey! Tap into your network, community, and resources like the Kentucky Career Center.

Local Labor Market Limelight: Discover the booming world of remote work with Teleworks USA and learn how to connect with a local advisor.

Stay tuned for more! We'll be back with more tips, local labor market insights, and inspiring stories from Eastern Kentucky.

Remember: Whether you're looking for a job, want to advance your career, or are a business leader seeking skilled workers, EKCEP is here for you! Visit ekcep.org or your local Kentucky Career Center JobSight for more information.

Links:

• EKCEP: ekcep.org
• Teleworks USA: jobsight.org/work-from-home
• Visit us on YouTube youtube.com/@ekcep 

Let's Get to Work, Eastern Kentucky!

We're back with a new episode of the East Kentucky Works podcast! This week we're talking with Tom Cravens, director of the Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky, and STEAM Specialist Jackie Caudill as they go in detail about new ongoing projects and updates at the center and educational opportunities for Eastern Kentucky students.

Learn more about the center online at https://www.clcky.com/

To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, visit https://www.ekcep.org.

This week we're discussing training in the skilled trades at the new TEK Center in Inez, Ky. President and Founder Angie Reynolds joins host Trish Adams to talk about the new school, which is currently recruiting for its first classes and is slated to begin training later this year.

TEK Center's inaugural classes will include training in heavy equipment operation, industrial maintenance, and electrical. Learn more about the work going on at TEK Center or register online at tekcenterky.org.

To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, visit https://www.ekcep.org.

Intro music from https://filmmusic.io
"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

We've had a nice long break since the latest episode of the East Kentucky Works podcast, but we're back with an excellent new ep as we're discussing housing development in Eastern Kentucky with Seth Long, executive director of HOMES, Inc. Seth discusses current housing challenges in the area, especially after devastating flooding in July 2022, and also touches on his work producing maple syrup right here in Eastern Kentucky.

HOMES (Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service) is a private non-profit located in Whitesburg, and since 1984 has provided affordable housing services for local residents, including new home construction and repairs. The agency also maintains 50 affordable rental units. Learn more online at www.homesincorporated.org.

Seth is also the co-owner of Southdown Farm with his wife in Letcher County. The farm produces maple syrup from more than 300 tapped trees on the property, and also raises fresh produce. You can follow Southdown Farm on Facebook or visit their website at www.southdownky.com.

To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, visit https://www.ekcep.org.

Intro music from https://filmmusic.io
"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

We're back with a new episode of the East Kentucky Works podcast, and we're talking summer internships with Prosper Appalachia interns Mason Logan, Mahayla Patterson, and Logan Carnes, who have spent the summer os 2022 working in Prosper Appalachia's digital storytelling internship program. We're also joined by Dr. Melissa Newman and Prosper Appalachia Founding Director Delaney Stephens.

Learn more about Prosper Appalachia online at prosperappalchia.org.

To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, visit https://www.ekcep.org.

Intro music from https://filmmusic.io
"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

This week on the podcast we're talking with Delaney Stephens, founding director of Prosper Appalachia, and Tina Wei Smith, Prosper Appalachia's director of operations.

Prosper Appalachia exists as a consortium of core stakeholders and place-based partners working to empower the next generation to create wealth and prosperity in Eastern Kentucky. Prosper Appalachia serves youth aged 16-24 in 10 Appalachian Kentucky counties: Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knott, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Perry, and Whitley.

Learn more about Prosper Appalachia online at prosperappalchia.org.

To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, visit https://www.ekcep.org.

Intro music from https://filmmusic.io
"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

We're back this week with a new episode and we're talking to the leadership of Appalachian Wireless in Ivel, Ky., about their work to provide cellular service in rural Eastern Kentucky. 

Joining us this week:

• Allen Gillum, CEO of Appalachian Wireless
• Mike Johnson, Technical Operations Director with Appalachian Wireless
• John Willougyby, Data & Enterprise Solutions Director with Appalachian Wireless
• Darlene Howell, Customer Relations Director with Appalachian Wireless
• Ashley Litteral, Marketing Manager with Appalachian Wireless 

Listen to the East Kentucky Works podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and Spotify.

To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, visit https://www.ekcep.org.

Intro music from https://filmmusic.io
"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

We're back with a great episode of the podcast this week as we're talking about the history of telecommunications in the region with the East Kentucky Network Board of Directors! Recorded on location at the Appalachian Wireless headquarters in Ivel, Ky., the group discuss their individual histories and how their companies worked in partnership to form Appalachian Wireless. 

Podcast participants in this episode include:

• Ruth Conley - CEO of Foothills; EKN Board member
• Keith Gabbard - CEO of People’s Rural Telephone Company; EKN Board Member 
• Heather Gearheart - Director/Counselor at Gearheart Communications
• PD Gearheart - CEO of Gearheart Communications; EKN Board member
• Bill Grigsby - CEO of Thacker-Grigsby Telephone Company; EKN Board member
• Shayne Ison - CEO of Mountain Rural Telephone Company; EKN Board member
• Jimmie Jones - President, Mountain Rural Telephone’s Board of Directors
• Marty Thacker - Tower Site Consultant for Appalachian Wireless

Stayed tuned for part two next week, when we'll hear from the leadership at Appalachian Wireless, including CEO Allen Gillum.

Listen to the East Kentucky Works podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and Spotify.

To learn more about EKCEP's mission to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky, visit https://www.ekcep.org.

Intro music from https://filmmusic.io
"Sweeter Vermouth" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)