Strong workforce starts in the classroom: Beshear, Coleman discuss bringing jobs to region

Attorney General Andy Beshear and his gubernatorial running mate Jacqueline Coleman visited Pike Central High School Monday to discuss their campaign's plan for bringing more jobs into Eastern Kentucky.

Beshear said the plan includes investing in agritech, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. But he said it is also about investing in the people of the region.

"We know the best jobs float to the states that have the best workforce," Beshear said. "At the end of the day, it's not rocket science. If we can invest in the areas where we know they'll be the jobs of the future, and those jobs can be in rural Kentucky, and we have the best workforce waiting for them, then we have a big, bright future right here in Eastern Kentucky."

Beshear and Coleman said a strong workforce starts in the classroom.

"When we talk about job creation and attracting new businesses and helping current businesses expand, that is not possible unless we look at the genesis of job creation, which is public education in Kentucky," said Coleman.

Which is why the duo visited Pike Central's vocational classroom to discuss the county's area technical centers and nursing programs. He said many students are graduating those programs workforce ready, or better prepared to continue their education.

"What we're also seeing is the beginning of the training to have a highly technical career," Beshear said. "To be able to go from here, onto a community and technical college and to ultimately have one of those highly-skilled jobs we so desperately need."

Beshear said Coleman's background in education is one of the driving forces behind the workforce discussion. Coleman is a former assistant principal from Nelson County.

"We truly believe in education. And not because it's the right thing to do for our kids, but it's the necessary thing to do for our future," Beshear said. "If you look around, just at the training center we're in today, it's all about giving those opportunities and chances for kids to live that really productive life. To have good jobs right here in Eastern Kentucky."

Beshear said his administration would budget based on its values, which include public education and jobs.

"There is never enough money for all the needs that are out there, so the question is: What do you value the most?" Beshear said. "This ticket values public education, pensions, healthcare, and jobs."

He said it would be "refreshing" to see opportunities placed on the table for Kentucky's workforce.