Growing with the Flow: Lee Countian Franklin Drake IV Learning the Ropes in Apprenticeship with Beattyville Water Department
Registered apprenticeships are opening doors to promising futures for Kentuckians like Franklin Drake IV, a recent high school graduate from Lee County who is making waves in the city of Beattyville as a water treatment operator apprentice.
Lee Countian Franklin Drake IV (left) and Beattyville Mayor Scott Jackson pose for a photo inside the Beattyville Water Treatment Plant.
Drake’s path to an apprenticeship began in April when he entered into a work experience program through the City of Beattyville and funded by Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP). Soon after, Stephanie Bowman, a business services consultant with the Kentucky Career Center JobSight, approached Beattyville Mayor Scott Jackson with the idea of creating a water treatment operator apprenticeship through the city. This apprenticeship would be a joint effort between the city, EKCEP, Middle Kentucky Community Action Agency’s JobSight office, and the Kentucky Rural Water Association.
Mayor Jackson knew how hard it was to find qualified water treatment operators, so the apprenticeship was a perfect solution—and he already knew of a perfect candidate. Impressed by Drake's work ethic and eagerness to learn, Mayor Jackson recommended him for the program. With his interest in chemistry and desire for a meaningful career close to home, the water department was an ideal fit and Drake was excited to begin.
“I absolutely believe that what I am learning right now will definitely help in securing a career in the future,” Drake said. “There's a lot of things that go into this. A lot of technical and mathematical aspects, computer science. I believe that this is a great stepping stone into any career.”
Apprenticeships uniquely benefits both employers and job seekers by offering paid positions where apprentices like Franklin receive on-the-job training as well as financial assistance for their formal education/certification. EKCEP’s work in apprenticeships, in partnership with training providers and employers, is bridging the gap for job seekers entering into long-term careers, while also helping employers find qualified and skilled candidates to meet specific needs.
Drake has proven to be dependable and easily trainable, Mayor Jackson noted, adding that once Drake obtains his operator’s license, he will be making good money with benefits such as insurance and retirement plans provided by the city.
Mayor Jackson expressed his gratitude for the program, recognizing its potential to fill future needs for the city.
"I would really say this is one of the best programs I've ever seen,” he said. “Franklin, he's exceptional. He's very smart, he's low-key, and he's very precise in what he does.”
Both gentlemen emphatically agreed that if you need a job, or you’re an employer and need qualified workers, you should check with your local Kentucky Career Center JobSight office to see what services might be available. Middle KY is one of nine Community Action agencies with KCC JobSight services available in Eastern Kentucky, under contract with EKCEP.
“I believe that they have something for everyone,” Drake said. “I asked them about the jobs they had. They said you could be out working hands-on. You could be doing physical work. You could be doing work that requires a lot of management skills. Just go and see what they offer, because they might offer something that is of interest to you.”
Drake's success story showcases the power of an apprenticeship collaboration, community resources, and personal dedication. As he continues to grow in his role, he is making a positive impact in Beattyville and inspiring others to pursue their career aspirations as well.
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian Coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates the Kentucky Career Center JobSight network of workforce centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for jobseekers and employers all under one roof. Learn more about us at http://www.ekcep.org, http://www.jobsight.org and http://www.facebook.com/ekcep.
