A skills focused training center is taking steps towards opening in Martin County. The TEK Center Inc. won a $1.5 million POWER Award last week from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The TEK Center aims to help people gain certification in heavy equipment operation, electrical work and industrial mechanics in 12 months or less.
Angie Reynolds is the Founder and CEO of the TEK Center. She said the grant from the ARC will allow them to equip the school.
“We are a brand-new start-up in Inez, Kentucky. So, we will have to buy all of the equipment and all of the laboratory materials and books and things that are needed to kick the school off and get it up and running. Our first inaugural class should be in February,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds said a partnership with community and business leaders identified 500 of these skilled jobs that will need to be filled over the next five years.
“In eastern Kentucky stretching from Morehead to Pikeville. Construction related; we got 333 equipment operator demand projections out of that collaborative. So, we can put people in touch with local employers who need these skilled operators,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds said the TEK Center will focus on recruiting high school students who don’t want to pursue four year or community college programs. They also hope to help underemployed and disadvantaged workers, like those in addiction recovery and displaced coal miners.
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