Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT)

Kentucky invests more than $1.2 billion annually in workforce programs, yet only 15% of employers actively engage with the system. Many businesses report feeling overwhelmed by duplicated outreach and a lack of clarity about where to turn for support. The Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT) is working to address these challenges by aligning efforts, improving communication, and creating clear, consistent pathways to workforce solutions—ultimately helping employers get the support they need, when they need it.

Launched in 2023, SWATT was created in response to one core reality: Kentucky’s workforce challenges cannot be solved by any one organization alone. The SWATT mission is to build a collaborative, coordinated, and streamlined business services system that makes it easier for employers to access talent and navigate workforce resources.

Key leaders, including Education and Labor Cabinet Secretary Jamie Link, Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel, Kentucky Community and Technical College System President Dr. Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ashli Watts, and Council on Postsecondary Education Dr. Aaron Thompson, came together with a shared vision: to build a more unified, employer-centered workforce ecosystem that works better for everyone.

• Navigate workforce resources across state, regional, and local levels 
• Build customized strategies for talent attraction, retention, and development
• Engage with a network of providers aligned around business needs

• Strengthen alignment across business service partners 
• Increase employer engagement and trust
• Streamline communication and business service delivery

To drive this effort, the following organizations partnered together:

Other supporting organizations:

• Kentucky Department of Education
• Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
• Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
• KYSTATS
• Kentucky Association of Manufacturers 
• Kentucky Hospital Association

• SWATT one-pager
• SWATT webinar link
• SWATT Subcommittee Interest Form

SWATT continues to drive statewide collaboration to:

• Break down barriers that inhibit workforce development.
• Increase coordination and communication among workforce partners.
• Create actionable, sustainable solutions for employers.

Together, we are building stronger connections, improving service delivery, and shaping the future of Kentucky's workforce. 

For more information about SWATT and how to get involved, contact Callie Miracle at cmiracle@kychamber.com.