Southeast Provides Workforce Training to Global Industry Leader | SKCTC

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    Southeast Provides Workforce Training to Global Industry Leader

    Middlesboro, KY – Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College has recently formed a new industry partnership, one that reaches consumers of all ages. The Smart Wood plant in Corbin, Kentucky, produces what for many is a basic summertime necessity: popsicle sticks.

    A family-owned company founded in 1928 in Saint Saveur, France, Smart Wood has become an international leader in the production of food grade wooden sticks for ice-cream, coffee stirrers, and skewers. After operating for nearly a century, the company has established nine plants and two distribution hubs, and its product is sold in over 50 counties.

    Smart Wood’s only U.S. plant opened in October 2017 in Corbin because the area is plentiful for its beech wood, a necessity for the company’s product.  Immediately, Southeast’s Workforce Solutions Department began working with company leaders to provide training specific to the their needs, such as OSHA 10, OSHA 30, CPR, first aid, quality management 5S, electrical, fork lift, hydraulics, welding, and others.

    According to Southeast President Vic Adams, who served as vice president of workforce development for many years before leading the college, Southeast strives to deliver education to build skill sets for employees specific to the company partner. “We tailor our training according to the business’s needs,” said Dr. Adams. “Helping business and industry stay ahead of the curve is an important part of our mission at Southeast.”

    Plant Manager Brent Wells agrees. “We started with ten employees at this location, and we have grown to over 90. Our relationship with Southeast has been integral in having a properly trained, skilled workforce,” he said.

    For more information about Southeast Workforce Solutions, contact Sherri Clark at sherril.clark@kctcs.edu or 606-248-2224. Be sure to like us on FaceBook at SKCTC Workforce Solutions.

    Southeast’s Workforce Solutions delivers training to companies like Smart Wood using the Success Xpress, a mobile training unit that provides electrical and hydraulics on site.PHOTO CAPTION

    (Southeast’s Workforce Solutions delivers training to companies like Smart Wood using the Success Xpress, a mobile training unit that provides electrical and hydraulics on site.)