Carter Hendricks, the executive director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council appeared on WHOP to talk about the results from their recent wages and skills survey and their upcoming Job Fest on Friday.
 In the council’s third annual wages and skills survey, 22 regional manufacturers participated to provide insight into current wage rates, benefit structures and employee skill gaps. Hendricks says the goal of the survey is to help industries in the region remain competitive and to highlight what career opportunities are available.
The survey highlights shared that in 2023 entry level wages reportedly increased from an average of $17.43 to $17.93 per hour and welder wages have increased 10% and overall wages increased between 3% and 5% since 2022.
For high school graduates who do not plan on attending college or adults who are transitioning careers, Hendricks says manufacturing positions can help them establish stability and can also lead to greater employment opportunities.
Hendricks says around 45% of regional high school seniors go straight into the workforce after graduating. To highlight employment possibilities for those students, Hendricks says they will be hosting their third annual Jobs Fest on May 2.
Graduating high school students from Christian, Todd and Trigg Counties will have the opportunity to meet with regional industries and manufacturers. Hendricks shared that they set the event close to graduation, because at that point students are thinking more about their plans past graduation.
More information about the results from the wages and skills survey and the upcoming Job Fest can be found at southwesternky.com.