Although it’s been operational for nearly two years, the Flexible Training Center at Hopkinsville Community College is the next step in teaching the work-ready skills that are in large demand in the county, region, and state.
HCC President Dr. Alissa Young and other community partners cut the ribbon on the new facility Saturday morning. A nearly $4.3 million grant from the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet in 2017 made it possible to double the size of the existing welding training facility to create the Flex Center.
Dr. Young called the center a collaborative effort between local governments, the commercial sector, the agriculture industry, and Fort Campbell, who are partners in the efforts.
click to download audioDr. Young said the HCC welding training program has grown 92-percent in the past year. Some of that can be attributed to the partnership HCC has with Operation Next, a program that helps soldiers — both active duty and transitioning — and their spouses and dependants learn work-ready skills to rejoin the workforce.
click to download audioHCC’s accelerated welding program is offered in two six-week sessions and one three-week session. That allowed the students more start date options and gives them the flexibility to complete training on the welding processes that interest them the most.
