Team LAUNCH | WKCTC

Workforce Solutions

Team LAUNCH

Team Launch is a free, grant-funded program at WKCTC designed to help young adults build skills, earn credentials, and launch careers.

We work with individuals ages 18–24 who face barriers such as low income, legal issues, disabilities (mental, physical, or learning), lack of a high school diploma, or other challenges. Our goal is simple: connect you to training, support, and real work opportunities so you can take the next step toward a stable career.

What we offer:

  • Short-term training programs in high-demand fields (healthcare, skilled trades, transportation, and more)
  • Industry certifications at no cost to you
  • Paid work experiences or on-the-job training with local employers
  • Career coaching including resume help, interview practice, and job search support
  • Supportive services like books, uniforms, transportation assistance, and other essentials so you can focus on your goals

Who Qualifies:

  • Ages 18-24
  • Have at least one qualifying barrier (Proof of barrier must be provided)
    • pregnant or parenting youth
    • unemployed or underremployed
    • legal issues
    • low income
    • disability (mental or physical)
    • homelessness
    • involvement in foster care system
    • no high school diploma
  • Not currently enrolled in college classes (must not have been enrolled within the last 3 months)

How to get started

To apply, click the link below to fill out a short form or call us at (270) 534-3490.

Start your Team Launch Application

We provide servicesin Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall and McCracken Counties!

Workshops and academic improvement

We offer FREE virtual and in person workshops to help you improve your work readiness skills so you can become leaders in your chosen career paths.  

  • Orientation
  • Customer Service and Sales
  • Financial Literacy
  • Employability Skills
  • Life Skills
  • And more!

We will continue to add to our workshops to provide you with great opportunities to learn and grow.

We also strive to encourage you to improve your academic skills so that you can be ready for any opportunity that comes your way.  It helps you get ready for school, improve your problem solving skills, and helps you follow through with given tasks, which employers really like.

Certification

We connect you with area education partners to provide short-term certification training.  The certifications will be industry recognized certifications that you can use nationally.

Some of the ones we work with now are:

  • Customer Service and Sales
  • Warehouse, Inventory and Logistics
  • ServSafe for Managers
  • CNA
  • Phlebotomy
  • EMT
  • CompTia A+
  • Welding
  • CDL
  • Fork Lift
  • And More!

We are always looking for new certification and training opportunities, so the list is always growing!

Work Experiences, Internships or Job Shadowing

You can earn while  you learn!  We partner with area employers to help you gain employment to build your resume, or put you in a work environment you may be interested in to see if you really like it. 

It's time to LAUNCH your career! Get started right away!  FIll in your contact information and we'll get back to you just as soon as we can!

  • We will talk with you about what you are looking for and we will recommend potential employees based on those requirements.
  • We will provide you with applications or resumes and ask you to interview the candidate to see if they would work for you.
  • We will complete the paperwork which includes a worksite agreement with your address, contact information, FEIN #, wages and title of position as well as at least 2 supervisors. 
  • We will do a very short supervisor training with the participant's immediate supervisor and an alternate supervisor so that everyone understands the program. 
  • Staff will check in with you at least once a month to see how things are going, but you may contact us at any time if you run into an issue and we will work with the participant to address any issues you are having.  
  • We will collect timesheets that you have approved, every 2 weeks. 
  • We will notify you as the candidate nears the end of their time so that you have time to roll them into your payroll if you choose to hire them as a regular employee.

All candidates must pass a drug screen  before they come to work for you.

Become an employer partner today!  Fill out your contact information and we'll get back to you right away!

We've had a variety of companies who have participated as Employer Partners. Here's a list of some, in no particular order. Contact us to brainstorm how our emerging adults can help your company! We'd love to have you!

A&K Construction

ABM Educational Services

Artisan Construction

Big River Propeller

Gilliam Thompson Furniture

Hempwood

Ingram's Water and Air Equipment

Jett's Mechanical

Livingston County Hospital

Marshall County Hospital

Murray Calloway County Hospital

Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club of Paducah

Paducah Veterinary Clinic

Randy's Body Shop

Sleep Central

Supply Solutions

Rachel Cornwell
Program Facilitator
rachel.cornwell@kctcs.edu
Office: (270) 534-3490
Cell: (270) 210-7206

WKCTC Team LAUNCH
4810 Alben Barkely Drive Paducah, KY 42001

Offices Located in Emerging Technology Center Suite 133

Printed with federal funds provided through the US Department of Labor and local funds through the West Kentucky Workforce Board - a division of the Kentucky Education & Labor Cabinet; Department of Workforce Development; Kentucky Career Development Office.  Equal education & employment opportunities. Auxiliary aids and services are available for individuals with disabilities.