A strong desire to enter the skilled trades, combined with the comprehensive support of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP)’s WIOA program, has led to a life-changing career for Jeffery Hartzler. Through a partnership with the LKLP Community Action Agency, Hartzler was able to complete the necessary training and was hired as a Lineman by Thacker and Grigsby even before he graduated.
Hartzler’s journey began with a clear professional goal: to become a Lineman. “I really wanted to get into the Lineman career and would do anything to be successful,” he shared. Motivated by a friend’s recommendation, he connected with Career Advisor Deana Combs of LKLP Community Action Agency, who helped him navigate the process.
“My good friend gave me a business card with Deana’s name and number. I called the number and she helped me out a lot,” Hartzler recalled.
Combs and the WIOA program team provided extensive support to Hartzler, addressing key barriers that could have derailed his training. The program provided tuition assistance, gas cards to help with the commute to school, and funding for essential work apparel, including boots. Most importantly, the program purchased a full set of lineman tools for Hartzler to keep, ensuring he was fully prepared to start his new job immediately.
“They did everything for my training, including contacting the college and speeding the process up,” Hartzler said. “I wasn’t working so the gas cards were really helpful to get to school and when I needed boots they were on point with the funding.”
Deana Combs, his career advisor, noted Hartzler’s commitment and drive as a key factor in his success. “Jeffery’s determination was inspiring from the very beginning. He had a clear vision for his future, and our role was to simply remove the practical barriers so he could focus on his training. Stories like his prove how effective our programs are in empowering motivated individuals to achieve their goals and contribute to our local workforce.”
Hartzler’s preparation paid off quickly; he was hired by Thacker and Grigsby before he even finished his training. The transition was seamless, with the support of the program. “Yes, I was fully prepared. They purchased my tools for my job,” Hartzler said. He now wholeheartedly recommends the Kentucky Career Center to others, advising that they are “really helpful in every way they can help.”
Find your nearest Kentucky Career Center at https://ekcep.org/find-a-career/
About the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP):
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. EKCEP is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, along with various federal and state grants and private donations. Learn more at ekcep.org.