Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), the region’s premiere
workforce development solution since 1968, announced the formal launch of EKCEP Business
Solutions. The initiative provides employers with no-cost support such as recruitment and
screening assistance, On-The-Job Training (OJT) wage reimbursements, and Incumbent
Worker Training funds to help businesses hire, train, and retain local talent.
This initiative represents a strategic rebranding and streamlining of the employer-facing
services that EKCEP has successfully provided for decades, modernizing how businesses
across its 23-county service area access talent and training funding. While EKCEP is often
recognized for its work with job seekers, it has been a partner with countless successful
Eastern Kentucky businesses for nearly 60 years. EKCEP Business Solutions consolidates
these essential services into a “concierge model,” providing employers with a dedicated,
no-cost strategic partner to navigate the complexities of the modern labor market.
“For nearly six decades, EKCEP has stood at the intersection of opportunity and need in
Appalachia. While our core commitment hasn’t changed, the labor market certainly has,” said
Becky Miller, Executive Director of EKCEP. “We know that when we help a local business thrive
through our recruitment support or training funds, it doesn’t just improve their bottom line—it
creates a sustainable career for an individual and stability for a family right here in our region.”
The launch is not a new service, but rather an evolution of a trusted resource. It is designed to
make it easier for employers to access high-impact tools, including recruitment and screening
assistance, On-The-Job Training (OJT) wage reimbursements, and Incumbent Worker Training
to upskill existing staff.
EKCEP’s ability to deliver these “boots on the ground” services across such a vast region is
made possible through vital partnerships with Community Action Agencies throughout the
23-county service area. Through Kentucky Career Centers housed within these local agencies,
EKCEP ensures that Business Solutions Consultants are embedded in the communities they
serve, bringing deep knowledge of local labor markets and unique business needs.
Employers in Eastern Kentucky who want support with recruitment, training costs, or retention
are encouraged to connect with a dedicated Business Solutions Consultant today. To begin a
consultation, please complete the intake form at: https://tinyurl.com/ekcepbizsolutions.
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, and is a proud partner in the American Job Center network. Learn more at ekcep.org.