Marshall County schools to receive heavy equipment simulators through TVA workforce grant

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

BENTON, Ky. (KBSI) — Kentucky Lake Economic Development has received a Tennessee Valley Authority Workforce Invest grant to expand career training opportunities for Marshall County students.

The grant will fund the purchase of two heavy equipment operator simulators for the Marshall County Technical Center, giving students hands-on training opportunities in high-demand industries.

The simulators will help prepare students for careers in heavy equipment operation, construction, commercial driving, agriculture and material handling.

“Investing in our students is an investment in Marshall County’s future,” said Elizabeth Griffith Mudd, president of Kentucky Lake Economic Development. “Through partnerships with our schools, employers and TVA, we’re creating pathways for students to gain valuable skills and prepare for rewarding careers while helping local businesses build the skilled workforce they need to grow.”

The Workforce Invest program was developed by TVA Economic Development in partnership with VisionFirst Advisors to support workforce training and education initiatives tailored to local needs.

Now in its fifth funding round, the program has awarded more than 50 grants across the Tennessee Valley and is expected to provide training opportunities for more than 10,000 residents.

The Marshall County initiative is a partnership among Kentucky Lake Economic Development, Marshall County Public Schools, Pinnacle Inc. and the International Union of Operating Engineers.

In addition to providing equipment training, the project aims to connect students with local employers through job fairs, work-based learning and cooperative education opportunities.