| (Frankfort, KY) The Kentucky Cabinet
for Workforce Development recently unveiled the SkillMobile,
the latest weapon in a growing arsenal to combat barriers
to education.
“Bringing training and education to the people”
is the goal of the mobile training units according to
Dr. Cheryl King, commissioner for the Department for Adult
Education and Literacy. “From the hills to the hollows
and from the cities, towns and farms, the SkillMobile
is allowing access to technology and learning opportunities,
no matter where you live in Kentucky,” added King.
Both recently upgraded SkillMobiles now feature state-of-the-art
technology including desktops, flat panel displays, printers
and wireless Internet access. Expanding upon its traditional
use as a mobile training lab Kentucky’s workforce,
the units have now broadened their curriculum to meet
the needs of adult education students and instructors.
Through a partnership with the Kentucky Virtual University,
the SkillMobile has emerged as a cyber space training
center on wheels using the Kentucky Virtual Adult Education
website, at www.kyvae.org. The website, developed by the
KYVU marketing department for the Department for Adult
Education and Literacy, will broaden access to educational
programs and services.
“The technology is bridging the gap among adult
learners, employers, our instructors and adult learning
centers across the state. Being able to utilize the expertise
of the Kentucky Virtual University to make it happen has
opened adult education to the world.” added King.
The SkillMobiles are available to businesses and adult
education initiatives on a first-come, first-serve basis.
That is an important caveat considering SkillMobiles are
already booked 75 percent of the year, according to Jim
Thompson, Skill Branch supervisor for the Cabinet for
Workforce Development. Thompson was recently awarded Workforce’s
Golden Key Award for his exemplary efforts for upgrading
the units.
Commissioner King expects to soon add a third unit to
the fleet. “Hopefully having three on the road,
we can better meet needs all across the Commonwealth,”
she said.
Asked if she had anything to add, King beamed, “The
SkillMobile is probably the best example we could ever
hope for to bring postsecondary education, workplace education
and adult education together. We have just put it on wheels
and made it accessible. What a combination!”
To find out when a SkillMobile will be in your area or
to discuss training at your workplace, contact Jim Thompson
at 800/928-7323 or imr.thompson@mail.state.ky.us.
For more information about Kentucky Virtual Adult Education,
call 1-877-740-4357.
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