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Greater Louisville Inc. The Metro Chamber of Commerce
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June 30, 2021 8:52am

GLI launches talent pipeline initiative to create equitable access to career mobility

Louisville, Ky. (June 30, 2021) – Greater Louisville Inc. announced the launch of the Career Acceleration Network, an initiative that will move workers from low-paying, low-skilled jobs to high-skilled jobs with family-supporting wages. The two-year pilot program is based around a talent pipeline comprised of 15 employers from a range of industries, several educational and training providers, and workforce partners that will work together to train participants and help them advance into sustainable, long-term careers. Current career pathway offerings include business services, health care, hospitality, manufacturing, and technology.

Participating employers hail from a variety of industries with open positions that vary in skill-level and requirements. The jobs are divided into tiers that give participants the opportunity to develop new skills in entry-level jobs, advance within the organization, then move to a different organization in a higher-skilled role. In addition, the program will help encourage workforce participation among formerly incarcerated individuals, with several employers offering second chance opportunities.

Employers in the pipeline include:

  • Baptist Health
  • Caesars Southern Indiana
  • Galt House Hotel (AJS Hotels)
  • GE Appliances, a Haier Co.
  • Generation Tux
  • Glowtouch Technology
  • Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
  • LG&E and KU Energy
  • Louisville Geek
  • Northwest Ordinance Distilling
  • Norton Healthcare
  • Rogers Group
  • Superb IPC
  • UPS
  • voestalpine Roll Forming Co.

“For too long, accessibility to resources like a four-year degree or trade-specific training have kept people in our community stuck in low-paying jobs without the ability to build a family-supporting career,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president and CEO of GLI. “The Career Acceleration Network will create more equitable access to career opportunities, while also addressing the growing workforce shortage that is crippling many of our businesses.”

Entry level positions start at $11 per hour and wages increase through the pipeline up to $31.50 per hour, with salaried positions that pay between $36,000 and $80,000 per year. In addition to employee satisfaction, employers also benefit from decreased turnover, as participants agree to a minimum tenure at each company as they gain skills to move up the ladder.

Upon entering the program, participants will receive an individualized pathway that provides them with a clear roadmap to a higher-paying career and the necessary upskilling to move on an upward trajectory.

To support the program, GLI hired two dedicated staff members to coordinate pipeline logistics and help participants through their journey. Vahid Mockon, GLI’s Manager of Workforce Connectivity, will help coordinate employers and workforce partners and track outcomes for the program. Katrina Johansen most recently joined the GLI team as the Workforce Success Navigator and will specifically work with participants to identify and address barriers that hinder their career growth including access to reliable transportation or financial obligations and to ensure a seamless participant experience

“A skilled workforce is critical to the continued growth of our region. The Career Acceleration Network is all about removing the barriers that too often keep our motivated talent in low-skilled jobs,” said Christine Tarquinio, GLI’s vice president of talent, workforce and brand strategies. “I am hopeful that this program will level the playing field and create more equitable opportunities for fulfilling careers in Greater Louisville.”

The program is funded through generous donations from local businesses and individual contributions from GLI’s and the Greater Louisville Foundation’s Board of Directors. Participants can learn more and apply here.

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About Greater Louisville Inc.

Greater Louisville Inc. - the Metro Chamber of Commerce is focused on growing the regional economy. As the region’s largest convener of business leadership, GLI leads economic and global outreach strategies focused on business attraction; nurtures the entrepreneurial eco-system; and champions the development of the community’s talent base.  As the voice of Greater Louisville’s business community, GLI advocates for a pro-business environment and facilitates businesses engagement on issues that impact regional competitiveness.  For more information, visit www.greaterlouisville.com.