Launching careers with top Kentucky employers: KCTCS students ‘Go Pro’

Published on Apr 1, 2026

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) kicked off a series of “Going Pro” events for students starting their professional careers and signing with Kentucky employers. 

Held at the KCTCS System Office in Versailles, the signing event was the first of many celebrations that will be held throughout Community College Month in April at KCTCS's 16 colleges across the Commonwealth. Before the signing, an Industry Expo event for high school, middle school, and undecided students was held to educate the next generation of Kentucky workers about the industries and job opportunities available to them in their communities.

“This is one of my favorite events every year because it’s a chance for us to celebrate student success but also say thank you to the countless employers that are signing our students,” KCTCS President Dr. Ryan Quarles said. "This is a day when we celebrate our technical and trade students the same way as we celebrate students signing with athletics teams — they deserve it."

The signing event featured 18 students, and highlighted their new careers and employers, including the Kentucky Transportation Department, UK Healthcare, Pratt Paper Mill, Huhtamaki, Appalachian Regional Health, Metalsa, Hibbs Electromechanical and Baptist Health.  

At the event, KCTCS partnered with Abound Credit Union who presented each signee with a check for $250 from the Abound Credit Union Technical Career Scholarship fund to help pay for uniforms and other basic needs as they begin their careers.

“It’s an honor to be here at the KCTCS Going Pro event that celebrates commitment, skill and the future of Kentucky’s workforce,” said Jake Darabos, chief financial and administrative officer for Abound Credit Union.  “(Today) you’re not just starting jobs, you’re launching careers that keep our communities running, keep our industries advancing, and keep our state growing. We want to make sure that you enter this next chapter with confidence, not only in your technical skills, but in your financial foundation as well.”

Amber Bailey, a graduate of Hazard Community and Technical College and signee at the event, chose a career path in Information Technology (IT) and accepted a job with Appalachian Regional Hospital.

“I chose to go back to college to give myself and my children a better financial future,” Bailey said. “I wanted to be able to provide for them with not just basic necessities but also experiences and options.”

Henderson Community College graduate, Caleb Gorell, winner of the 2023 SkillsUSA State Championship for Welding Fabrication, said his deep-rooted passion for industrial operations and hands-on problem-solving led him to KCTCS and a career with Pratt Paper Mill.

“For me, the maintenance field is the perfect intersection of technical skill and critical thinking,” Gorell said. “Signing during Going Pro marks a pivotal moment in my professional life. It represents more than just a ceremony; it is the official launch of my career.”

With Kentucky’s economy on the rise, KCTCS is dedicated to helping students and businesses build stronger workforces in key industries like healthcare, trades, manufacturing, logistics, and business. In Spring 2025, KCTCS graduated more than 24,000 students into the workforce. One in every 49 jobs is supported by the work of the 16 colleges of KCTCS.

Partners with KCTCS in workforce development include Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Association for Economic Development, Kentucky Hospital Association, Metals Innovation Initiative, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, Kentucky Department of Education, Higher Education Matters, Team Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, Team Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, and the Associates General Construction of America Kentucky Chapter.

“As job openings continue to increase across the Commonwealth, we need more Kentuckians equipped with the skills and tools to succeed in today’s workforce,” said Quarles. “KCTCS ‘Going Pro’ Signing Day highlights the vital role community colleges play in meeting employer demand and reinforces KCTCS as the Bluegrass’s leading workforce solution and a powerful driver of job growth.”

For more information on KCTCS, its 16 campus locations and areas of study visit kctcs.edu. For businesses looking to grow or upskill their workforce, visit workforce.kctcs.edu.