Buffalo Trace Area Development District
Jul 27, 2026
BTADD-TENCO's youth employment initiative helped Montgomery County graduate gain work experience, earn a professional license and secure full-time employment
A conversation at a Montgomery County high school career fair helped set Luke F. on a path from student to full-time employee through the Buffalo Trace Area Development District-TENCO's Putting Young Kentuckians to Work Youth Employment Program.
Luke, who graduated from high school in 2026, met Katheryn, a youth coordinator with the Buffalo Trace Area Development District-TENCO, during the career fair. Inspired by his father's career at a local water company, Luke was interested in entering the same field but lacked the hands-on experience needed by employers.
He became the first participant in the Putting Young Kentuckians to Work Youth Employment Program, which is designed to help young people ages 16 to 24 prepare for meaningful careers through career exploration, employer outreach, job placement assistance, on-the-job training, short-term occupational skills training and supportive services.
Luke began a work experience placement in June 2025 that combined paid employment with on-the-job training while he continued his high school coursework. Through the program, he received work experience, supportive services and one-on-one career counseling.
Working alongside a certified operator throughout his senior year, Luke gained the supervised experience needed to pursue his Class 1 Distribution License. The placement also helped address the employer's need for certified operators while allowing Luke to earn wages as he developed workplace skills.
Luke completed the program June 30, 2026, just weeks after graduating from high school.
After earning his Class 1 Distribution License, Luke accepted a full-time position with Judy Water Association in Mt. Sterling, where he now works with wages and full benefits.
"This program gave me the chance to learn from someone with real experience, earn my license before I even graduated, and walk into a full-time job I'm proud of," Luke said.
The Kentucky Career Center's youth program serves Bath, Boyd, Bracken, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Montgomery, Robertson and Rowan counties. The program is available to young adults ages 16 to 24 seeking work experience as well as employers interested in training and developing employees.
For more information, contact the Kentucky Career Center at 606-564-6894.