Students visit local businesses as part of statewide workforce initiative called Bus to Business

On Wednesday, schools from across the Commonwealth visited employers in their communities to learn about local career opportunities as part of a partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Kentucky, and members of the business community.

As Kentucky’s business community struggles with a workforce shortage, the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center started the Bus to Business initiative as a way to connect businesses with students in local communities. While students had the opportunity to explore possible careers within each company, employers were able to speak directly to their potential future workforce.

After students from Elkhorn Crossing School in Georgetown visited Toyota, high school senior Cheney Harris said, “Originally with Toyota, I have just pictured engineering. But after today, I found out that there are other fields such as the health, legal, safety, and communications departments that Toyota has to offer.”

“The Toyota Kentucky team is thrilled to welcome our local Scott County students to TMMK where we can showcase all the career paths we offer,” said Terri Manning, Toyota’s Diversity and Inclusion Onsite Support for Human Resources. “We are excited to support Manufacturing Day. These students are our future!”

During Bus to Business Day, over 1,200 students visited 32 businesses in 24 counties. Students had the chance to tour businesses, complete hands-on, work-based learning activities, and speak directly with business leaders about their professions.

“We are thrilled that the inaugural Bus 2 Business Day helped provide an opportunity for students across Kentucky to get a close up look at exciting career opportunities. It is vital for employers to be engaged and this was a perfect way to bring everyone together to help build our future workforce,” said Beth Davisson, executive director of the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center.