Resources Available to Northern Kentucky Employers

Research Engineers

University of Kentucky Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Systems

Tri-ED and the University of Kentucky Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Systems work cooperatively to provide service to manufacturers. The Center, established in 1984, is a non-academic division of the University of Kentucky College of Engineering. Among the services provided by the Center are:

• TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
• MANUFACTURING OPTIMIZATION
• LEAN MANUFACTURING
• RESEARCH

The University of Cincinnati College of Engineering

The University of Cincinnati College of Engineering is the birthplace of cooperative education. It was at UC in 1906 that the co-op plan was implemented, linking education and industry through knowledge and experience in the Departments of Chemical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering. In the near century since its inception, the co-op program has thrived and has been replicated at least in part by more than one thousand institutions of higher education throughout the world.

Employee Assessment & Recruitment

The workforce issue is not merely one of quantity but quality is of great importance. While the type of training needed is industry specific, the basic level of competency, reading and math is vital.

Therefore, at no cost to an employer, Tri-ED has contracted for services to provide to an employer the Test of Adult Basic Skills (TABE). The TABE measures reading, math and language usage, is published by CTB McGraw Hill.

The test is both an assessment and diagnostic tool. If an individual scores below a preset score, a referral can be made to Adult Education for remedial assistance. Remedial assistance is provided through the Adult Education Program, again at no cost. The test will be administered at the Comprehensive One-Stop Centers in Covington and Florence. For further information call the One-Stop Center (859-292-3930) or (859-282-4629.)

Training and Workforce Development Initiatives

Tri-ED’s recent survey indicated the quality of the workforce is a major issue. Existing industry has a need for a continuum of education for their workforce to remain competitive. Workforce skill training encompasses both new and existing employees. Bluegrass State Skills Corporation, a division of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, matches with a company on a fifty / fifty basis for eligible training costs.

Tri-ED will match a portion of the companies’ cost associated with a Bluegrass State Skills’ Grant. A company would be eligible for reimbursement depending on the years of operation in Kentucky. By matching with a Bluegrass Skills’ Grant, Tri-ED would not be in the position of approving a proposal. Tri-ED follows the established procedures and policies of Bluegrass State Skills. Upon completion of the training and with documentation from Bluegrass State Skills, Tri-ED will reimburse the company per the schedule listed below pending review by the appropriate Tri-ED committee(s). The first year of the program will require a “cap” per company. This “cap” is necessary until a determination can be made of the requests for training reimbursement. The allocation will be on a first come, first serve basis. When obligated funds are expended, Tri-ED's monetary match will cease.

• Company located in Kentucky 5-9 years Tri-ED will match 20% of company’s Bluegrass Skills Grant portion / cap of $2,000 per year / per company
• Company located in Kentucky 10-19 years Tri-ED will match 30% of company’s Bluegrass Skills Grant portion / cap of $2,500 per year / per company
• Company located in Kentucky 20 years or more Tri-ED will match 40% of company’s Bluegrass Skills Grant portion / cap of $3,000 per year / per company

Tri-ED Grant Writing Assistance for Industry Training

There are approximately 400 manufacturers in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. Bluegrass State Skills Corporation, a division of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, has a process for training cost reimbursement, which requires a grant writer. The Technical College system has provided this service to companies. However, with the increased demand for training of the workforce, the TECH system does not have budgeted dollars to hire additional grant writers. This has resulted in delays for companies who desire to submit a training grant and / or in need assistance for the preparation of the necessary forms. Tri-ED will contract with the Northern Kentucky Technical College and / or the Commissioner for Secondary Technical Tri-ED would continually be in contact with the grant writer to monitor service. For information on assistance for your company, call Bob Green at 859-344-0040.

Tri-ED Assistance for Assessment of Current and / Potential Employees

The workforce issue is not merely one of quantity. The quality of a potential employee is of great importance. While there can be great debate pertaining to the type of training needed, the basic level of competency, reading and math, is fundamental. Therefore, Tri-ED will contract for services to provide at no charge to an employer the Test of Adult Basic Skills (TABE). The TABE test, published by McGraw Hill, is a nationally recognized evaluation instrument. This particular testing instrument is both an assessment and diagnostic tool.

The test measures reading, math and language usage. If a test taker scores below a desired score, a referral can be made to Adult Education for remedial assistance. Remedial assistance is provided at no cost to the potential employee or employer. The testing conducted at the Comprehensive One-Stop Centers in Covington and Florence. These centers have new scanners, computers and scoring software. Additionally, the Department of Employment Services staff will highly recommend to individuals seeking employment to take the TABE test.