The U.S. Department of Labor announced that the Kentucky Science & Technology Corp. has been awarded $1.5 million under the Veterans Accelerated Learning for Licensed Occupations project.
KSTC was the only private non-profit awarded under the VALLO program and was part of the almost $7 million in grants awarded by the DOL as part of their ongoing efforts to encourage occupational licensing reform.
Under this VALLO award, KSTC will partner with the University of Louisville, the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) and others to help statewide licensing boards review and streamline their occupational licensing rules and to develop new accelerated learning programs to move veterans and transitioning service members into occupations quicker and with less obstructions.
KSTC will oversee the process of analyzing relevant licensing criteria and identifying onerous and burdensome requirements that hinder employment. KSTC will then work in conjunction with the State’s Department of Professional Licensing and with educational partners to develop specific action plans for creating licensing alternatives as well as alternative education curriculum.
“This DOL funding is yet another validation of the work we’ve done at KSTC to tear down silos, identify inefficiencies and streamline processes all around the state and the nation” said Vice President Rick Johnson, who helped develop the strategy. “At KSTC we are committed to workforce solutions of all kinds. Our veterans and transitioning service members represent a tremendous untapped pool of talent. By removing barriers to their employment, we not only transform their individual lives and long-term earning potential, but also provide a valuable resource for employers to meet hiring needs.”
More information about the U.S. Department of Labor’s occupational licensing efforts can be found by visiting www.doleta.gov/grants.
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