Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center met with local and distant business representatives Thursday, January 30 to kick off the 2020 New Year with a focus on Business Engagement and Employer needs and trends. The meeting began at 11:30am in the movie room where the Center Director welcomed and introduced everyone. The Career Technical Training Manager Jeff Daniel, led the council through a power point presentation of the center updates of occupation reports, graduate and placement pool, and active inventory. The Work Based Learning Coordinator, Mrs. Christy Branham highlighted some of our recent and upcoming partnership opportunities. The Culinary Arts trade led by Instructor Laurie Morgan, prepared and served salad, beef brisket, alfredo macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, and a choice of apple pie or chocolate cake to the council members. After feasting on the extravagant meal attendees and staff divested into mini trade specific groups to discuss workforce labor market information, skills, trends, employment preparation, and work based learning opportunities for our students. CSC security representative Robert Edelen complimented the Carl D. Perkins Advanced Security trade stating ” Carl D. Perkins has the best students that have ever worked the KY Derby.” Carpentry students received an informative, in-depth presentation from Kevin Howard representing the Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Regional Council of Carpenters. Business leaders are eager to aid the Job Corps staff in training, development, and hiring our graduates. New and Old Partnerships were formed and we are looking forward to the opportunities for our students, businesses, and communities.