Statewide program offers workforce development opportunities for local employers
Published on Jul 31, 2025
Ashland Community & Technical College (ACTC) is inviting more businesses in the Ashland area to join the growing Education First Employer (EFE) program.
Designed to strengthen Kentucky’s workforce and help employees pursue higher education while working, the program partners local employers with KCTCS colleges to build talent pipelines that benefit both workers and the regional economy.
“The Education First Employers program makes it easier for students to work and learn at the same time,” said Robin Harris, executive director of Workforce Solutions. “It’s a win-win. Students get hands-on experience, and employers get reliable, motivated team members who are building the skills they need on the job.”
At present, UK Kings Daughters and Marathon Petroleum are the only two participating regional employers.
Their leadership highlights the local potential of this initiative, but the need for more business partners is growing as student interest and workforce demands increase.
By joining the program, Ashland-area employers can directly impact student success while addressing their own workforce needs.
The Education First Employer program, launched in 2023 in partnership with Governor Andy Beshear and TEAM Kentucky, recognizes employers who commit to creating educational and career advancement opportunities for their employees.
To earn the EFE designation, businesses must offer tuition assistance or reimbursement, provide flexible scheduling that allows employees to attend college classes, and offer competitive wages that support a sustainable livelihood.
Employers also agree to collaborate with ACTC to improve student employability, increase job placement, and promote program completion in high-demand fields.
Participating businesses receive public recognition through KCTCS platforms and career services, making them more visible to job-seeking students and prospective employees.
This recognition not only enhances employer branding but also strengthens recruitment and retention.
Employers can tap into a steady stream of motivated, career-driven students while building a more skilled and loyal workforce.
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky became the first employer to participate statewide, setting an example for others across the Commonwealth.
More than 60 employers have since joined the EFE network, representing a growing movement among Kentucky businesses to invest in education as a key to workforce development.
Local businesses that wish to get involved simply need to demonstrate a commitment to supporting their employees’ education and fill out a brief pledge form available through KCTCS.
From there, ACTC will work with the employer to coordinate student hiring, training opportunities, and community engagement strategies.
For more information about how to become an Education First Employer, visit kctcs.edu/efe or contact ACTC’s Workforce Solutions team at as_workforce@kctcs.edu.
Written by: Megan Smedley, ACTC strategic communications administrator
