In an effort to help employers strengthen their talent pipelines, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation partnered with Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) to host the inaugural New Kentuckian Hiring Academy in August, equipping business leaders with the knowledge and resources to recruit and retain work-authorized immigrants, refugees, and documented workers.
The one-day training brought together 21 participants from 17 companies to learn about important workforce demographics, legal considerations, and practices for supporting this talent pool. They also connected with community-based organizations and heard directly from immigrants and refugees through a panel on lived experiences.
“With workforce shortages affecting communities across the state, building intentional pathways for immigrants and refugees makes businesses and communities stronger,” said Beth Davisson, Senior Vice President of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. “New Kentuckians bring talent, resilience, and diverse perspectives to our communities, and their contributions help drive growth and opportunity for businesses, families, and Kentucky’s economy.”
Louisville is home to nearly 90,000 new Kentuckians, with over 30 percent holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. Statewide, Kentucky’s foreign-born population is about 202,000, representing 4.5 percent.
“New Kentuckians are already filling critical roles in industries facing persistent labor shortages, which makes employer engagement a key opportunity,” said Kelly Gold, Vice President of Marketing, Talent Attraction and Retention of Greater Louisville Inc. “That’s why GLI is proud to partner on this pilot to meet growing regional demand for innovative workforce solutions. By bringing the New Kentuckian Hiring Academy to Louisville, we’re giving employers tailored resources that address state and regional needs while strengthening our community’s talent pipeline.”
The New Kentuckian Hiring Academy builds on the Foundation’s model of employer-focused training through its Disability, Fair Chance, and Military Hiring Academies. The Foundation and GLI plan to expand the program to additional regions to ensure more employers can access these resources.
For more information on future sessions, contact Callie Miracle, Director of the Foundation’s Workforce Center, at cmiracle@kychamber.com.