Workforce Ecosystem Alignment

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation helps employers lead collaborative, business-driven workforce solutions across the Commonwealth.

Through the Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT), the Kentucky Chamber Foundation coordinates efforts, connects services, and supports delivery of workforce solutions statewide to better link talent and opportunity.

Launched in 2024, the Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT) brings together workforce, education, and economic development partners to coordinate efforts and simplify how employers access workforce solutions.

• Since its launch in 2024, SWATT has strengthened coordination across Kentucky's workforce system by:
• Convening 100+ cross-agency leadership meetings to support a unified, employer-facing workforce strategy
• Bringing together 250+ business service professionals statewide, where real-time polling identified tailoring workforce programs and services to local communities as the top priority
• Conducting roadshows across all 10 workforce regions, engaging 400+ regional leaders in the statewide model
• Establishing three joint state and local leadership working groups to improve service delivery and coordinate employer engagement
• Bringing together 72 workforce professionals from all 10 regions to build locally grounded solutions connected to the statewide model

Working directly with Kentucky employers, SWATT has identified real hiring demand and delivered coordinated solutions across the state by:

• Engaging 100+ employers to identify 1,000+ projected job openings, ensuring workforce strategies are built around employer demand
• Developing tailored, employer-led workforce strategies in manufacturing and early childhood education, engaging 74 employers whose input directly informed regional workforce strategies and training alignment
• Expanding into 15+ additional industry initiatives to strengthen employer engagement statewide
• Supporting 122 potential economic development projects with coordinated workforce solutions
• Conducting 20 rapid response and hiring events, connecting employers directly with job seekers
• Delivering 7 workforce proposals supporting business expansion and site selection decisions

To drive this effort, the following organizations partnered together:

Other supporting organizations:

• Goodwill Kentucky
• KYSTATS
• Kentucky Association of Manufacturers 
• Kentucky Hospital Association

Through the Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT), Kentucky is building a more coordinated, employer-driven workforce system. This report highlights how partners across the Commonwealth are aligning efforts, improving access to workforce solutions, and delivering results for businesses and talent statewide.

• More employers can grow, expand, and invest in Kentucky
• Businesses can find the talent they need more efficiently
• Economic development projects are better supported with coordinated solutions
• Training and education efforts are more closely aligned with real opportunities
• Communities gain stronger connections between education, training, and employment