In eastern Kentucky, where the economic landscape has been reshaped following the decline of the coal industry, a transformative training initiative is emerging to address the skills gap for local workers. The eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI), established in 2017 in Paintsville by Kathy Walker, aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills for modern manufacturing jobs in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Kathy Walker, a former banking and coal industry professional, recognised the detrimental economic effects that the decline of coal mining had on local communities. She stated, “The industry had taken a turn for the worse, and it totally decimated these communities in Appalachia,” highlighting the extensive impact on not only mining jobs but also on local businesses that relied on the economic activity generated by these jobs.
Instead of pursuing new businesses to set up in the area, Walker opted to directly enhance the skills of the existing workforce. Her vision is centred on empowering individuals to secure well-paid jobs with potential for career advancement, rather than merely filling factory-line roles. “We have so many talented, industrious, and innovative people here,” Walker explained, emphasizing the need to overcome educational hurdles in critical subjects such as geometry and trigonometry.
Under Walker's leadership and with funding from Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, eKAMI renovated a 40,000-square-foot facility into a cutting-edge workforce development centre. The centre now focuses on advanced manufacturing skills, including computer numerical control machining, robotics, and quality inspection.
eKAMI offers comprehensive programmes, ranging from five to ten months in duration, that combine technical training with soft skills development, such as communication and professionalism. Graduates leave with industry-recognized credentials, ideally suited for roles in aerospace, robotics, construction, and automotive manufacturing. Walker describes the training programmes as “very intense”, noting strict adherence to class attendance and engagement.
Since its inception, eKAMI has seen a notable rise in participation, with over 300 students, aged 18 to 65, completing their courses with a 100% job placement rate. Walker reported that starting salaries for graduates typically average around mid-$60,000, often accompanied by full benefits. "We have employers standing in line to hire from this little place here in the centre of Appalachia,” she added.
The programme has gained considerable national recognition for its innovative approach to workforce development, attracting attention from prominent institutions, including Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as international dignitaries. Walker noted the personal impact on graduates, which she considers more important than any external accolades.
Michael Cockerham, a graduate of eKAMI, shared his own transformative journey through a video testimonial. Having served nearly 17 years in prison, he expressed his desire to "leave a legacy of hope and inspiration" for his children, following his successful transition into a role with a Fortune 500 company after completing his training at eKAMI.
The implementation of eKAMI’s programme represents a shift in the region, with participants increasingly choosing career paths. Tharan Green, a field service manager at MiR Robots, remarked on the distinct qualities of eKAMI graduates, noting, “These guys take real pride in their work and are driven to improve their lives.” He emphasized the challenge many employers face in finding individuals who are looking for long-term careers rather than temporary jobs, indicating a significant advantage that eKAMI graduates possess.
Walker elaborated on the role of eKAMI within the broader landscape of technological advancement, stating, “We need the engineers from the MITs and Carnegie Mellons who come up with these incredible inventions and technology, but what good is the technology if you can’t get it deployed and working on manufacturing floors?” She defines eKAMI’s function as essential for bridging this gap, delivering pragmatic solutions to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.
As eKAMI continues to shape the workforce in eastern Kentucky, the institute's commitment to upskilling the local population highlights an ongoing evolution within the region, aligning educational outcomes with industry needs for a sustainable economic future.
Source: Noah Wire Services