Education Beyond High School Is Key to Northern Kentucky’s Workforce Future
“Education is the most direct link to a skilled workforce.”
That was the message from Dr. Aaron Thompson during the 8th Annual Employer Best Practices Symposium on March 11. Dr. Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, defines college broadly as any credential earned beyond a high school diploma.
Kentucky Council for Postsecondary Education President Dr. Aaron Thompson was the keynote speaker at the Employer Best Practices Symposium on March 11.
“We often hear that college isn’t for everyone,” Dr. Thompson said. “What people usually mean is that a four-year degree isn’t for everyone—and I agree with that. But some form of education after high school is essential. That’s what employers are telling us, and it’s what the job market demands.”
The council has set a statewide goal: by 2030, 63% of Kentuckians will hold a postsecondary credential. Northern Kentucky has already exceeded that benchmark and is now working to exceed 65% attainment by 2030, placing the region among the state’s leaders in education and workforce readiness.
Another key priority is bringing employers into the education process earlier.
“We cannot simply turn students over to employers at graduation and expect everything to work,” Thompson said. “Companies need to interact with students throughout their educational journeys.”
He also emphasized the importance of helping adult learners ages 25–64 return to school and complete credentials that lead to better jobs.
“We have about 600,000 Kentucky adults without a postsecondary credential,” Thompson said. “Helping them gain skills and credentials is critical, not just for individuals, but for the state’s workforce and economy.”
Encouragingly, recent data shows strong progress. During the 2024–25 academic year:
Adult undergraduate enrollment (ages 25–64) increased 7% statewide, including 7% growth at public universities and 4% at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Private colleges and universities saw especially strong growth, with adult enrollment increasing 22%.
First-time adult undergraduate enrollment rose 13% statewide, reflecting renewed momentum among adults returning to complete credentials.
Helping adults connect with workforce-focused training is also a priority for NKY Works and its partners.
On April 1 from 3–6 PM, NKY Works will host the NKY Workforce Training Showcase, highlighting short-term, credential-based programs that prepare participants for in-demand careers. Attendees can also learn about financial aid options that may help pay for training, including funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), federal financial aid, and local supports such as Youth First. Organizations that provide wraparound services will also be present to help participants address barriers to training and employment. The event, co-hosted by the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board and the Kentucky Career Center, an American Jobs Center, will be held at the Kentucky Career Center, 1324 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY.
The event is free and open to the public, although pre-registration is requested: https://buytickets.at/nkyworks/2099418.
Dr. Thompson’s remarks were delivered at the 8th Annual Employer Best Practices Symposium, hosted by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The symposium is part of the NKY Works Employer Best Practices initiative, which brings regional employers and workforce partners together to share strategies for addressing workforce challenges.
The group meets every other month and will hold its next virtual meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 3 PM. A guest speaker from the Dalton, Georgia Chamber of Commerce will discuss their region’s efforts to retain local students in the workforce. You are welcome to join the meeting via Teams: Meeting ID: 238 854 327 577 Passcode: Lm7pL9o4
For more information, contact NKYWorks@NKADD.org or 859-657-WRKS (9757).