The departments are the Department for Employment Services, Department for Training and ReEmployment, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department for the Blind, and Department for Technical Education. 

The following are the support offices: Budget and Administrative Services, Communication Services, General Counsel, Quality and Human Resources, Technology Services and Workforce Partnerships.

Workforce Development also provides staff support to the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board. Link to the Organization Chart to see how the agency  is organized.

What we do:
The mission of Workforce Development is connecting Kentucky to employment, workforce information, education and training.

Utilizing its large and diverse applicant database, the Department for Employment Services assists employers in finding qualified applicants for their job openings, while assisting job seekers in finding employment.  The DES unemployment insurance program provides benefits to ease the financial burden on individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own.  DES compiles and disseminates a wide range of  workforce statistics, including employment, unemployment  and wage information.

The Department for Training and ReEmployment  administers federally funded Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs through local workforce investment areas.  These programs help people acquire skills, update current skills and find new jobs.  Trained employment professionals provide these services at One-Stop Career Centers.  In addition, DTR’s Rapid Response Team helps employers and employees during layoffs with information about retraining, job opportunities, filing for unemployment insurance benefits and other local, state and federal services.  Through WIA youth services, young people are provided with services that increase success both in school and the workplace.

The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation provides assessment, guidance, counseling and job placement services to assist eligible Kentuckians with disabilities achieve their career goals.  The department also operates a comprehensive rehabilitation center. DVR assists employers fill approximately 5,000 positions each year with qualified, job-ready applicants.

The Department for the Blind offers educational assistance, job training, job placement and assistive technology to Kentuckians with visual disabilities.  DFB operates a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation center for workforce preparation.  The department’s Business Enterprises Program offers entrepreneurial opportunities for Kentuckians with visual impairments.  The department helps provide a ready workforce for employers.

The Department for Technical Education offers high school students technical training in 53 area technology centers. Students prepare for careers in medicine, computers, business, construction, manufacturing and other exciting fields.  The schools also partner with local communities in economic development and training efforts.  School-to-Work programs expose students to career choices and work experience.

For those who want to build or revive a career, the local One-Stop Career Center is an excellent place to start. Job seekers can find information and resources necessary to conduct a complete job search. Information about job openings, training and education are available. Employers can access information about job applicants, workforce development assistance, customized training and community resources.