State, local leaders celebrate ribbon cutting of new ACTC facility
January 20, 2026
ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community & Technical College (ACTC) marked a major milestone for workforce education in eastern Kentucky with a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Transportation Education Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a regional hub for hands-on training in high-demand transportation careers.
Programs housed in the center include Diesel Technology, Automotive Technology, Lineworker, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Community leaders, state officials, educators, and industry partners gathered to celebrate the center’s opening and its role in preparing Kentucky’s future workforce.
Speakers included Dr. Larry Ferguson, ACTC President/CEO; Dr. Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) President; Dr. Miles Feroli, Senior Associate in the Workforce and Economic Development Unit at the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education; Rocky Adkins, Senior Advisor to the Governor; and Governor Andy Beshear.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of investing in local education to meet workforce demands across Kentucky and beyond.
“Our Transportation Education Center is more than a new building,” said Ferguson. “It represents opportunity, progress, and our shared commitment to workforce education. It reflects our belief that students deserve access to modern, industry-aligned training environments and that our region deserves a skilled workforce prepared for the demands of today’s transportation industries.”
Quarles noted that over 70 percent of KCTCS students remain in the counties of which they come from upon earning a KCTCS credential.
“When we talk about workforce needs, there’s no better investment than investing locally,” he said.
Feroli highlighted the growing need for skilled transportation and maintenance professionals across the Commonwealth.
“Over the next ten years, the projected estimate for transportation and material moving occupations in the state of Kentucky is looking at a 6.8 percent growth, meaning close to 32,000 job openings,” Feroli said. “Similarly, the projected estimate for repair and maintenance occupations is looking at a 6.5 percent growth, meaning about 90,000 job openings. That’s close to 410,000 jobs across the state.”
Adkins praised the college for the work they have done to meet the workforce needs of the region.
“We will make whatever workforce training need you have happen in a facility like this, and others, here at Ashland Community and Technical College,” Adkins said.
Governor Andy Beshear praised the facility as a transformational investment for the region and its students.
“Ashland Community & Technical College students are going to receive the best education in this field that I think anyone gets in the country,” Gov. Beshear said. “And that’s thanks to this $13 million Transportation Education Center.”
The Transportation Education Center features modern labs, updated equipment, and expansive training spaces designed to mirror real-world work environments.
The facility strengthens ACTC’s ability to meet employer demand while providing students with industry-relevant skills that lead directly to high-wage, high-demand careers.
For more information about ACTC’s transportation programs, visit ashland.kctcs.edu.
