Unlocking the Power of Business to Build Kentucky’s Workforce
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation strengthens communities and expands opportunity across the Commonwealth by helping employers lead collaborative, business-driven workforce solutions. Through its workforce ecosystem alignment initiatives—Talent Pipeline Management (TPM®) and the Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT)—the Foundation connects partners and strategy to build a stronger workforce for Kentucky’s future.
Together, TPM® and SWATT strengthen Kentucky’s workforce ecosystem, aligning employers, educators, and communities to create opportunities that allow all Kentuckians to learn, work, and thrive.
Accelerating Solutions, Building Opportunity
- 16 employers have partnered with stakeholders in the SWATT initiative.
- 12 SWATT program pilots facilitated across the Commonwealth.
- 1,100 Kentuckians have been connected to meaningful jobs, hands-on training, and work-based learning opportunities through the Foundation’s talent pipeline programming.
SWATT Resources
What is the Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT)?
Kentucky invests over $1.2 billion annually in workforce programs, yet only 3% of employers actively participate. Many businesses feel overwhelmed by duplicate outreach and unclear access points. SWATT works to address this by aligning efforts, improving communication, and establishing clear, consistent pathways to workforce solutions—helping employers access the right support at the right time.
Launched in 2023, SWATT was built on one truth: no single organization can solve Kentucky’s workforce challenges alone. Its mission is to create a coordinated, collaborative system that makes it easier for employers to find and develop talent.
SWATT helps employers:
- Navigate workforce resources across state, regional, and local levels
- Build strategies for talent attraction, retention, and development
- Connect with aligned providers focused on business needs
SWATT strengthens the broader workforce ecosystem to:
- Align business service partners
- Increase employer engagement and trust
- Streamline communication and service delivery
What Organizations are Involved in SWATT?
To drive this effort, the following organizations partnered together:
Other supporting organizations:
- Kentucky Department of Education
- Goodwill Kentucky
- KYSTATS
- Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
- Kentucky Hospital Association
Opportunities to Engage
Participate
Join TPM® or SWATT to strengthen your talent pipeline, improve hiring and retention, and shape regional workforce strategy.
Partner and Support
Your engagement expands opportunity statewide. Through collaborative projects and employer engagement, your support advances solutions that connect business, education, and community, enabling more Kentuckians to learn, work, and thrive.
Contact
For questions about the Foundation's workforce ecosystem alignment efforts or to discuss partnership opportunities through TPM® or SWATT, contact Laurie Mays at lmays@kychamber.com.