Kentucky Works

Making connections and developing in-demand job skills are important steps in the journey to obtain steady employment. Each year, Central Kentucky Community Action provides hundreds of job seekers the guidance and assistance needed to secure sustainable employment. By assessing the individual’s education and experience, long-term goals, as well as uncovering any barriers that may be preventing them from achieving their career goals, our staff is able to customize a plan that places each individual on a path to success. Our employment services are now offered in Anderson, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Franklin, Grayson, Hardin, Henry, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble, Washington and Woodford counties.
Find the nearest Kentucky Works office here.

Participating Businesses – Join our Efforts

Businesses can be part of this innovative and cost-saving initiative through either our work training or work placement programs. Each provides participants with the opportunity to gain valuable work skills, while saving your business significant hiring and training dollars. More so, participating businesses are also eligible for valuable tax incentives when hiring a Kentucky Works participant. Best of all, Kentucky Works services are provided free of charge to participating business.

It is a win-win situation for both the employee and the employer. Here’s how you can join our efforts:

Work Experience Training

A training program designed to provide direct workplace knowledge and experience, as well as teaching vital job skills to participants. Participants work from 20 to 35 hours per week with no wages being paid, under the sponsorship of a non-profit organization.

Paid Employment

Public or private sector employers that offer Kentucky Works participants a paid position can be reimbursed for a portion of the employee’s wages during the first six months of employment (75 percent for four months and 50 percent for two months). In addition, businesses that hire Kentucky Works participants are eligible for significant tax incentives.

Employer Responsibilities

The employer is required to be in compliance with all state and local labor law and carry workers compensation insurance. The employer agrees to enter into a six-month agreement that ensures the participant will be paid at least minimum wage (or wages equal to that of other employees).

The employer agrees to provide the participant with 30-40 hours of work per week. Should an issue arise in the placement, an Employment Specialist will work with both parties to either resolve the issue or terminate the agreement.

Ready to get started? Begin by calling our Program Director at (270) 589-1991.

This project is funded, in part, under a contract with CHR with funds from CSBG Act of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.