On June 16, the Mayfield Rebuild Education Committee met to discuss a proposed plan to expand learning related to skilled trades. Those in attendance included Eric Walker, Kim Martin, Lorena Godinez, Peter Sierra, Wendy Puckett, Niaz Khadem, and Mike Miller.
Elaine Jansen, a philanthropy advisor with FEMA, was in attendance and spoke about potential donor opportunities related to vocational education.
The proposed expansion plan includes:
-Expanding career education to 4th Grade through guest speakers and writing assignments on “what they would like to do when they grow up.” This is done in the 5th Grade currently.
-Introducing 5th and 6th Graders to skilled trades with monthly hands-on opportunities through the ATC and business/industry. Businesses would also be allowed to participate in a “Trade Show” with information on what they do.
-Opportunities from 6th-8th Grades to participate in developed ATC summer camp (6th-7th) and after school program (7th-8th).
Any plan would need to be approved by the school’s superintendents and principals.
The committee also discussed adult training opportunities through possible Area Technology Center training, WKCTC Adult Promise scholarship for people over 25 that includes free tuition for up to 30 hours over two semesters, Team Launch through WKCTC, West Kentucky Workforce and PADD, along with working with the Graves County Extension Office with their Positive Employability program that teaches soft skills.
Also, the committee was informed of a planned professional training day for Mayfield and Graves County teachers. Working with Graves County Economic Development, the teachers will tour PRCO and Progress Rail and have a discussion with officials at ACE Compressors about the local industrial landscape and what they need from their current and future workforce.
The next education committee meeting will be July 21 at 4 p.m. at the Commerce Center.
