East Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI) is now accepting new applications for its fall 2022 CNC and robotics training classes. If you’re 18 or older and live in Eastern Kentucky, you could be eligible for assistance to cover the cost of the training, and even help with transportation and lodging.

Michelle Howard was in recovery in the spring of 2020, working her way through Drug Court in Breathitt County. Her addiction had taken a lot from her by then, including a teaching career, but she was ready to build back her life.  

Wesley Steele has a job with a view. “It’s awesome,” Steele says, his cell signal momentarily going in and out. He’s on the other end of a telephone conversation while on the way to a job in Knott County. “I love it.” 

Camila Stratton was three years sober and working in the restaurant industry when she decided it was time to make a change. She wanted to use her experience recovering from addiction to help others like her.

Kimberly Begley had spent nearly a decade working in Harlan County’s tourism industry. It was a job that she enjoyed, but by the spring of 2021 she was ready for a change.

One year after successfully helping Eastern Kentuckians begin careers in the insurance industry with a new and innovative internship opportunity, Colonial Claims and Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP), Inc. are teaming up again, and this time with an even shorter turnaround time to full employment.

Patrick Biddle is in a place where he’s building things. He’s building a business, an education, and a new life outside of addiction.

In the fall of 2021 Nathaniel Smith was looking to leverage his training in software development into steady employment, and he hoped to begin his career without having to leave his native Pike County. He knew it wasn’t going to be an easy search at first, but thanks to a new internship program called One Up, he was able to accomplish both of his goals.

Darrell Estep was 20 years old, had recently completed rehab, and ready for a new start with a new job.

Tanner Waugh was at a bit of a crossroads. It was June 2021 and he was homeless and struggling to find a new job.

EKCEP’s work to help Eastern Kentuckians retool for new careers following the decline of the coal industry was featured during a story produced by Freethink, a media organization that provides in-depth coverage on a number of topics.

Building a career in the arts was something that Renee Anderson had planned for, having studied art and design with a minor in art entrepreneurship at Morehead State University. So when she learned about a paid internship program called One Up that could lead to a job in arts administration, it seemed like a natural step to take.

Chase Williams likes working outdoors and with his hands, so it seemed like a natural step in spring of 2020 when an opportunity came along to train for a career as a lineman.

Six years after achieving sobriety, Tenia Johnson is in a good place both personally and professionally. Still, she isn’t taking things for granted. It’s day to day, and it’s a process she’s maintaining.