The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Office of Career and Technical Education, Division of Technical Schools & Continuous Improvement, Kentucky Tech Administrative Branch has an opening for an KY Tech Training and Development Specialist in Mt. Sterling, KY.
Please note this position is only a one-year position for the 2026-2027 school year and will not be renewed.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) operates 50 Area Technology Centers (ATCs) which serve 115 local feeder districts. A state Area Technology Center (ATC) is a secondary state operated school facility dedicated to the primary purpose of offering state approved four (4)-course Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways within CTE program areas identified by the OCTE. We are shaping the future by preparing Kentucky's students for the careers of tomorrow, collaborating closely with business and industry partners to do so. Explore the endless possibilities within our dynamic CTE community !
The Area Technology Centers under the Office of Career and Technical Education are organizationally part of the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), a service agency within the Commonwealth of Kentucky under the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. KDE supports the ATCs through guidance, resources, and oversight as part of its broader mission to ensure success for every student in Kentucky's P-12 public education system.
OUR MISSION
To partner with districts, schools, families, students, business, industry, and communities to provide leadership and support to ensure success for each and every student.
OUR CORE VALUES
- Equity
- Achievement
- Collaboration
- Integrity
Responsibilities include:
Provides coaching and develops the academic, technical, and employability skills needed for successful transition into postsecondary education, apprenticeships, military service, and the workforce to support students. Serves as a connector between students, instructors, employers, and community partners, ensuring that every student has a clear and actionable career pathway aligned with Kentucky's career and technical education (CTE) goals to promote the programs and services offered by vocational education; and performs other duties as required.
Provides one-on-one and small-group career advising for all area technology center students. Guides students in developing and updating Individual Learning Plans (ILPs). Assists students in identifying career interests, strengths, and pathway alignment. Supports students in course selection, credential planning, and transition goals.
Develops, coordinates, and monitors work based learning (WBL) opportunities including job shadowing, co-op, internships, and apprenticeships. Maintain employer agreements, documentation, and compliance with department WBL requirements. Conduct site visits and ensure student safety, performance, and accountability. Track WBL hours, placements, and outcomes for reporting and program improvement.
Builds and maintains relationships with local employers, chambers, workforce boards, and postsecondary institutions. Coordinates employer engagement activities such as advisory meetings, industry tours, and guest speakers. Supports dual credit, apprenticeship, and credentialing opportunities through partner institutions.
Delivers instruction and workshops on employability skills, résumé writing, interviewing, financial literacy, and workplace expectations. Supports students in earning Kentucky Essential Skills Certificates and other readiness credentials. Assists instructors in embedding career readiness activities into CTE programs.
Maintains accurate records of student advising, WBL participation, credentials, and placement outcomes. Supports Perkins V, department and district reporting requirements. Uses data to identify student needs and improve program effectiveness.
Participates in ATC leadership meetings, advisory councils, and school improvement planning. Assists with recruitment events, open houses, and community outreach. Supports school-wide initiatives that promote student success and career readiness.
Benefits and Perks
- Comprehensive health insurance (effective first day of employment)
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Optional insurance (dental/vision)
- Life insurance
- State retirement system and deferred compensation options
- Paid leave
- Paid holidays
- Deferred Compensation/Free financial planning program
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Employee resource and recognition programs
- Employee wellness programs
Minimum Requirements:
- Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree supplemented by three years of experience in business or industry and/or vocational education programs. Additional experience in business or industry shall substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
- A minimum of an Associate's degree required (consideration given to various degree areas); but a Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, workforce development, or related field preferred.
- Experience in career advising, workforce development, and/or CTE environments.
- Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
- Knowledge of Kentucky CTE pathways, WBL requirements, and ILP systems preferred
Salary: Dependent on rank and experience
Applicants and employees may be subject to drug testing and background checks.
Applicants under contract with a local school district must submit a written release from their superintendent before an offer of employment can be extended.
In accordance with KRS 161.220, the applicant selected for this position will become a member of the Teachers' Retirement System.
This position is located at the Montgomery Area Technology Center in Mt. Sterling, KY.
This position is only a one-year position for the 2026-2027 school year and will not be renewed.
Application Process
To apply, go to the following link: Personnel Cabinet
For questions regarding this position, contact: Jerri Rowland, Adult/Tech Administrative Consultant I; Phone: 270-407-1201; Email: jerri.rowland@education.ky.gov
Application Deadline: This position will be posted for a minimum of 10 days or until filled.
Additional Information
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. KDE will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that KDE has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at
1-888-897-7781 or https://dhs.gov/e-verify.
The Kentucky Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D.