Workforce Development
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension plays a pivotal role in workforce development by providing targeted educational programs and resources that enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals, aligning them with the evolving demands of the job market.
Dr. Laura Stephenson Associate Dean & Director of CES
Logic Model
Click here to view the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Logic Model
View the Workforce Development Logic ModelDirector of Workforce & Engagement Initiatives
Dr. Mark Mains (he/him) has been with the the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service for over 25 years. He is the Director of Workforce and Engagement Initiatives under the Department of Program & Staff Development. Please contact him for additional information.
Contact Dr. MainsKentucky Workforce Development
The Kentucky Cooperative Extension service supports individual success through a portfolio of high-quality workforce development initiatives. Workforce development in Kentucky Extension is a people-first approach to helping individuals access the skills, support, and education needed to ensure long-term success. These opportunities help individuals by supporting the job search, optimizing employability, educating producers and business owners, and fostering community connections.
Workforce Development Programs and Curricula
- Job Club | Contact, Title
- Positive Employability | Contact, Title
- Program Three | Contact, Title
- Program One | Contact, Title
- Program Two | Contact, Title
- Program Three | Contact, Title
Certification, Mastering, Credentials and Conferences
The Cooperative Extension Services offers a variety of "master skill" programs that support agriculture, industry, and individuals in Kentucky by providing high quality education and support.
Animal and Meat Sciences
- Master Cattleman Program | Dr. Katie VanValin, Beef Extension (Profile)
- Master Finisher Program | Dr. Katie VanValin, Beef Extension (Profile)
- Master Horseman Program | Dr. Bob Coleman, Horse Extension (Profile)
Forestry and Natural Resources
Plant, Soil, Forages, and Crops
- Master Grazer Program | Dr. Chris Teutsch, Forage Extension (Profile)
- Master Haymaker | Dr. Ray Smith, Forage Extension (Profile)
- Master Gardener | Dr. Rick Durham, Horticulture Extension (Profile)
The Cooperative Extension Services offers a variety of "master skill" programs that support agriculture, industry, and individuals in Kentucky by providing high quality education and support.
Forestry and Natural Resources
- Master Woodland Stewards Program | Billy Thomas, Forest Health Extension (Profile)
- Master Naturalist Program | Dr. Ellen Crocker, Forest Health Extension (Profile)
Family & Consumer Science
- Master Clothing Volunteer
- Champion Food Volunteer
- Extension Health & Wellness Ambassador
- Drone Certification | Contact, Title
- Distiller's Certificate | Contact, Title
- Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program | Ricky Yeargan, Agriculture Extension (Profile) & Linda Bokros, Agriculture Extension Programs (Profile)
- Beginning Forester Certification | Contact, Title
- Beef Center of Excellence | See Contributors' Page
- Kentucky Forest Health Conference | Dr. Ellen Crocker, Forest Health Extension (Profile)
- Kentucky Invasive Plants Conference | Dr. Ellen Crocker, Forest Health Extension (Profile)
- Kentucky Crop Health Conference | Jason Travis, Agriculture Extension Associate (Profile)
- Kentucky Fruit & Vegetable Conference | Kentucky Horticulture Council (Website)
Additional Resources for Workforce/Business
- UK Grain Crops Website (links to resources supporting grain crop production)
- UK Plant Disease & Pathogens Website (links to videos on plant disease, cause, and management)
Program 1
Program 2
Program 3
Training Links & Recordings
- Link 1
- Link 2
- Link 3
Evaluation Information and Tools
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- General Evaluation Page Link
- Evaluation Tool Links
- Evaluation Tool Links
- Link 1
- Link 2
- Link 3
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21st Century Skills, Resume, and Interview Skills
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FCS Statistic
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ANR Statistic
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