Initiative’s current projects:
- Horseman’s apprenticeship model under revision with the U.S. Department of Labor
- Evolving partnerships between Kentucky’s K-12 school districts and state and national equine organizations
- Hosting of credentialing programs for equine facilities upper management
- Equine employer management education and training opportunities
- Creation of equine industry career pathway documents
- Development of equine specific job posting smart phone app
- Equine career educational video series
The equine workforce struggle in Kentucky
It is a well-known fact that Kentucky is the horse capitol of the world, but it is the people within the industry that have elevated it to that status, and who will keep it there. Like many states and industries around the country, the equine industry in Kentucky is struggling to find qualified workers to fill its workforce ranks. Because of that, KEEP has teamed up with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Workforce Center to address the shortage of qualified equine workers on a state level. Through employer led work groups the industry is getting the facts straight from the horse’s mouth so that community and education partners may be better informed of the needs of industry employers.
What is the equine workforce initiative
A demand-driven, employer-led approach aimed at closing the workforce shortage in the equine industry. The demands of today’s industry require a strategic cooperation between employers, educational stakeholders, and community partners to garner long lasting, effective results. Through collaboratives established within the initiative, employers play an expanded leadership role as “end-customers” of the education, training and recruitment systems that are vital to the success of the industry. It’s a workforce strategy that can meet the needs of our ever-changing working environment.
Impact of workforce initiative on industry
– Increase the number of qualified employees in the industry
– Streamline recruitment of talented potential employees
– Increase retainment of trained employees
– Facilitate growth of industry statewide and throughout the nation
To learn more
– Visit the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Workforce Center’s Talent Pipeline Project website.
– Contact Laurie Mays, Equine Talent Pipeline Project Manager.
