Employer Resource Guide

Welcome to Northern Kentucky’s One-Stop resource for employers!

Use the Employer Resource Guide to explore the latest workforce resources offered by local partners.

Jump to Resources for: Candidate Recruitment | Employee Retention | Funding and Incentives

Candidate Recruitment

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Brighton Center and KCC offer Paid-Internships to youth ages 16-24 at no cost to the employer. Additionally Brighton Center has a pre-apprenticeship program called the Trades to Success.

    nkcareercenter.org

    Enzweiler Building Institute/Building Industry Association

    The Enzweiler Building Institute is a registered apprenticeship program through the state of KY and US Department of Labor.

    buildersnky.com

    Gateway Community & Technical College

    Gateway offers full partnership to companies interested in developing an apprenticeship program. Our apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with college coursework to accelerate learning and skills attainment.

    gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    KY Cabinet for Economic Development

    Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet- KY State Registered Apprenticeship Program

    https://educationcabinet.ky.gov/Initiatives/apprenticeship/Pages/default.aspx

    thinkkentucky.com

    Navigo College & Career Prep

    NaviGo connects businesses to high school students with an interest and aptitude for in-demand careers. For more information, contact Stephanie Layton at slayton@learning-grove.org

    Navigoprep.com

    NKY Chamber of Commerce

    The NKY Chamber has programs, events, advocacy initiatives, marketing opportunities, and award-winning publications to meet your needs.

    nkychamber.com

    Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services

    We connect local high school students to area healthcare employers for hands-on experience, creating a talent pipeline for tomorrow’s workforce.

    Kentucky Youth Apprenticeship Program.

    nkces.org

  • Gateway Community & Technical College

    Whether it’s customized training for your current employees, pre-hire testing for your applicants, or connection to our network of partners for other assistance, Gateway can help you find ways to address your workforce challenges.

    gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    Kenton County Public Library

    We deliver both Beginner and Professional Level Job Search Skills classes to prepare candidates for new job opportunities, especially helpful to employers needing outplacement help. We sponsor the Northern Kentucky Accountability Group, a job search support group for professionals in career transition, a great source of local talent.

    https://www.kentonlibrary.org/job-search-central

    KY Chamber of Commerce/ TPM

    Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) can be useful in providing the framework, context and sequence for the work to help identify partnerships between business, education and workforce

    kychamber.com

    Life Learning Center

    Life Learning Center conducts the following: Drug screens, background checks, preliminary screening for employment referrals, provided access to talent, and 12-weeks of soft skill training for at risk citizens.

    Life Learning Center is committed to a holistic continuum of education and care that focuses on overcoming barriers in all domains of life seeking to help individuals learn, secure, and sustain a better way of living.

    ifelearningcenter.us

    NKY Chamber of Commerce

    The NKY Chamber of Commerce works with community partners to align employers with access to apprenticeship opportunities.

    nkychamber.com

    Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    KCC/Brighton Center provides recruitment, retention, downsizing and other workforce supports. Including but not limited to hiring events & job fairs, candidate referrals, assessments, and layoff aversion.

    nkcareercenter.org

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    The NKY CC supports internship opportunities through WIOA youth funds and helps employers identify those opportunities while supporting them throughout the process. Brighton Center serves as “employer of record” to minimize employer risk.

    nkcareercenter.org

    Gateway Community & Technical College

    Gateway invites employer partners for work experience opportunities in all of our program areas.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    Kenton County Public Library

    We can help facilitate internships and co-op experiences through collaboration with Community Partners.

    http://kentonlibrary.org

    Life Learning Center

    LLC offers unpaid practicums/internships to post-secondary students in the following areas of study: Master’s of Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Education. There is a competitive selection process for the aforementioned.

    Life Learning Center is committed to a holistic continuum of education and care that focuses on overcoming barriers in all domains of life seeking to help individuals learn, secure, and sustain a better way of living.

    lifelearningcenter.us

    NaviGo College & Career Prep

    NaviGo partners with local schools and colleges, connecting businesses to students interested in co-op and internship opportunities. For more information contact, Stephanie Layton at slayton@learning-grove.org

    Navigoprep.com

    NKY Chamber of Commerce

    The NKY Chamber of Commerce works with community partners to align employers with access to co-op and internship opportunities.

    http://nkychamber.com

    Northern Kentucky University

    Internships and co-ops are completed either through NKU Career Services or via the individual departments.

    nku.edu

    Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services

    NKCES/KY Youth Apprenticeship Program connects local high school students to area employers for hands-on experience, creating a talent pipeline for tomorrow’s workforce.

    nkces.org

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    The NKY Career Center coordinates large-scale job fairs quarterly and also facilitates multiple hiring events per week tailored to the needs of individual employers.

    nkcareercenter.org

    Enzweiler Building Institute

    The Enzweiler Building Institute/Building Industry Association connects its students to potential employers through a variety of one-on-one events throughout the year.

    https://buildersnky.com/

    Gateway Community & Technical College

    Gateway provides opportunities for employers to engage with students on campus both at the high school and college level.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    The Kenton County Public Library

    The Kenton County Public Library can host drive-thru and in-person hiring events by contacting our Workforce Development office. KCPL also partners with the NKY Career Center to offer Job Fairs to the community both virtually and in-person.

    https://www.kentonlibrary.org/job-search-central

    Life Learning Center

    Employer partners are welcomed to deliver on-site interviews to candidates following completion of Life Learning Center’s copywritten workforce development training program.

    Life Learning Center is committed to a holistic continuum of education and care that focuses on overcoming barriers in all domains of life seeking to help individuals learn, secure, and sustain a better way of living.

    http://lifelearningcenter.us

    NKY Chamber of Commerce

    The NKY Chamber of Commerce works with community partners to align employers with access to talent through job fairs and hiring events.

    http://nkychamber.com

    Northern Kentucky University

    NKU provides opportunities for employers to engage with students throughout the academic year including information sessions, networking events, and career fairs.

    nku.edu

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    The NKY Career Center utilizes Kentucky’s statewide job posting portal Focus Talent (http://focustalent.ky.gov) for employers to post positions.

    nkcareercenter.org

    Gateway Community & Technical College

    Employers can post at no cost to our online job portal for current students and alumni.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    Northern Kentucky University

    Employers can post at no cost to our online job portal for current students and recent alumni.

    nku.edu

    Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services

    MyCareerE3 is where work-based learning connections are made. It’s free, it’s easy, it’s a win-win for high school students and employers.

    mycareere3.org

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    The NKY Career Center coordinates large-scale job fairs quarterly and also facilitates multiple hiring events per week tailored to the needs of individual employers.

    nkcareercenter.org

    Enzweiler Building Institute

    The Enzweiler Building Institute/Building Industry Association connects its students to potential employers through a variety of one-on-one events throughout the year.

    https://buildersnky.com/

    Gateway Community & Technical College

    Gateway provides opportunities for employers to engage with students on campus both at the high school and college level.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    The Kenton County Public Library

    The Kenton County Public Library can host drive-thru and in-person hiring events by contacting our Workforce Development office. KCPL also partners with the NKY Career Center to offer Job Fairs to the community both virtually and in-person.

    https://www.kentonlibrary.org/job-search-central

    Life Learning Center

    Employer partners are welcomed to deliver on-site interviews to candidates following completion of Life Learning Center’s copywritten workforce development training program.

    Life Learning Center is committed to a holistic continuum of education and care that focuses on overcoming barriers in all domains of life seeking to help individuals learn, secure, and sustain a better way of living.

    http://lifelearningcenter.us

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    KCC has a team of Business Services Representatives (BSRs), focusing on the high-demand sectors in our region. BSRs work with an employer to assist them in attracting qualified talent to fill their positions and work with job seekers from a variety of skills, education levels, and backgrounds to bridge the talent pipeline.

    nkcareercenter.org

    Enzweiler Building Institute

    Enzweiler Building Institute is run by the Building Industry Association of NKY. The BIA-NKY has 650+ members who represent a diverse range of employers in the construction industry.

    https://buildersnky.com/

    Gateway Community & Technical College

    Gateway offer opportunities for employers to post jobs, distribute hiring flyers, recruit on campus, and provide informational sessions to our current students.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    Kenton County Public Library

    KCPL facilitates operation of the Northern Kentucky Accountability Group, a job search support group for professionals in career transition. The dynamic group meets weekly year-round and over 240+ employers have found talent here. Open Job Descriptions are shared with candidates through networking and can be posted in the NKYAG Group on LinkedIn. Employers are welcome to visit the NKYAG meetings or NKYAG Roundtable.

    https://www.kentonlibrary.org/job-search-central

    KY Chamber of Commerce / TPM

    Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) can be useful in providing the framework, context and sequence for the work to help identify partnerships between business, education and workforce

    kychamber.com

    Life Learning Center

    Life Learning Center provides candidates with the necessary tools and support that will allow them to obtain and sustain a living wage career through a continuum of education and care.

    Life Learning Center is committed to a holistic continuum of education and care that focuses on overcoming barriers in all domains of life seeking to help individuals learn, secure, and sustain a better way of living.

    http://lifelearningcenter.us

    NaviGo College & Career Prep

    NaviGo connects businesses to high school students with an interest and aptitude for in-demand careers. For more information contact, Stephanie Layton at slayton@learning-grove.org

    Navigoprep.com

    NKY Chamber of Commerce

    The NKY Chamber of Commerce hosts the GROWNKY initiative.

    http://nkychamber.com

    Northern Kentucky University

    NKU offers opportunities for employers to post jobs, hang flyers on campus, and connect with students directly through career fairs, class projects, service learning, information tables/sessions, and more.

    nku.edu


Employee Retention

  • Gateway Community & Technical College

    Gateway offers full partnership to companies interested in developing an apprenticeship program. Our apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with college coursework to accelerate learning and skills attainment.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    Enzweiler Building Institute/Building Industry Association

    In addition to being a registered apprenticeship program, EBI operates on a learn-while-you-earn model that enables students to work in their field while attending classes.

    https://buildersnky.com/

  • Navigo

    NaviGo partners with local schools and colleges, connecting businesses to students interested in co-op and internship opportunities. For more information contact, Stephanie Layton at slayton@learning-grove.org

    Navigoprep.com

    Northern Kentucky University

    NKU’s College of Business houses two centers that can provide Best Practice Resources for employers.

    nku.edu

    EC Learn

    EC LEARN invites employers to promote Family Centered Practices by building connections through employee benefits such as providing child care resources and referral services as a part of a benefits package to employees.

    eclearn.org

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    NKY CC staff can provide training to companies in transition such as on the topic of “change management” to assist in planning for workforce-related issues that occur during organizational change.

    nkcareercenter.org

    Enzweiler Building Institute/Building Industry Association

    The BIA-NKY offers a range of training opportunities to its members that can be made available to non-member employers.

    https://buildersnky.com/

    Gateway Community & Technical College

    Gateway works with organizations across all sectors to identify skills needed and deliver custom programs that produce results. Our professional instructors provide targeted learning activities to your employees on campus or at your place of business.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    Life Learning Center

    Life Learning Center partners with Gateway Community & Technical College to deliver a customized 12-week program incorporating LLC’s Foundations for a Better Life program in conjunction with Gateway’s Enhanced Operator Certificate.

    Life Learning Center is committed to a holistic continuum of education and care that focuses on overcoming barriers in all domains of life seeking to help individuals learn, secure, and sustain a better way of living.

    http://lifelearningcenter.us

    NKY Chamber of Commerce

    As a community collaborator, we host training events delivered by members who are experts in their field.

    http://nkychamber.com

    Northern Kentucky University

    NKU’s Colleges of Business and Infomatics offer custom options for new supervisors or middle and upper management.

    nku.edu

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    NKY CC offers the KY Essential Skills Certification either during the employee onboarding process or as the need is identified by employers. Additional skill-building workshops are offered and can be customized to the needs of the incumbent employee.

    https://nkcareercenter.org/

    Enzweiler Building Institute/Building Industry Association

    The BIA-NKY offers a range of training opportunities to its members that can be made available to non-member employers.

    https://buildersnky.com/

    Gateway Community & Technical College

    Gateway works with organizations across all sectors to identify skills needed and deliver custom programs that produce results. Our professional instructors provide targeted learning activities to your employees on campus or at your place of business.

    https://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    Life Learning Center

    Life Learning Center partners with Gateway Community & Technical College to deliver a customized 12-week program incorporating LLC’s Foundations for a Better Life program in conjunction with Gateway’s Enhanced Operator Certificate.

    Life Learning Center is committed to a holistic continuum of education and care that focuses on overcoming barriers in all domains of life seeking to help individuals learn, secure, and sustain a better way of living.

    http://lifelearningcenter.us

    NKY Chamber of Commerce

    As a community collaborator, we host training events delivered by members who are experts in their field.

    http://nkychamber.com

    Northern Kentucky University

    NKU’s Colleges of Business and Infomatics offer custom options for new supervisors or middle and upper management.

    https://www.nku.edu/

    EC Learn

    EC LEARN offers resource and referral services to help employees find and enroll in quality child care that is appropriate to the employees’ living and working situation.

    https://eclearn.org/

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    NKY CC staff facilitate Rapid Response events for employers experiencing downsizing or closure. The Rapid Response Team assists affected employees in transition and works with the employer to retain employees as long as possible during this process.

    https://nkcareercenter.org/

    Gateway Community & Technical College

    Whether it’s customized training for your current employees, pre-hire testing for your applicants, or connection to our network of partners for other assistance, Gateway can help you find ways to address your workforce challenges.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    KY Chamber of Commerce/ TPM

    Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) is a strategy developed through the US Chamber of Commerce to connect employers to the talent they need by empowering businesses to create and manage their talent supply chain.

    kychamber.com

    KY Cabinet for Economic Development

    Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development- KY Skills Network Website

    http://kentuckyskillsnetwork.com/

    thinkkentucky.com

    NKY Chamber of Commerce

    The NKY Chamber has programs, events, advocacy initiatives, marketing opportunities, and award-winning publications to meet your needs.

    http://nkychamber.com

    Northern Kentucky University

    Employer support services are available through NKU’s Career Services team and the Colleges of Business and Informatics.

    nku.edu

    EC Learn

    EC LEARN provides businesses resources in finding quality child care that supports hiring and retaining good employees.

    ECLearn.org

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    NKY CC Business Service Representatives help employers gain access to Labor Market Information primarily compiled by the NKY Workforce Investment Board. This helps employers become/remain competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining talent.

    Labor Market Information

    nkcareercenter.org

    KY Cabinet for Economic Development

    Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Workforce Data and Research Team

    www.selectkentucky.com/

    thinkkentucky.com

    NKY Chamber of Commerce

    The NKY Chamber of Commerce connects members to Labor Market Information through the partner network.

    nkychamber.com

    BE NKY Growth Partnership

    Tri-ED is the economic development company in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. Our team provides companies in the region with data, strategic counsel and connections. We assist companies that are growing or expanding, by adding new employees or investing in new equipment or space such as an addition or new building, access Kentucky incentives. We also have an in-house research manager who can share NKY- or Cincinnati region-specific wage data, demographic information, economic indicators and more with companies in NKY.

    be-nky.com

  • KCC Rapid Response Program

    The Rapid Response program is a pro-active, business-focused, and flexible strategy designed to respond to layoffs and plant closings by quickly coordinating services and providing immediate aid to companies and their affected workers. Rapid Response teams will work with employers and any employee representative(s) to quickly maximize public and private resources to minimize disruptions associated with job loss. Rapid Response can provide customized services on-site at an affected company, accommodate any work schedules, and assist companies and workers through the painful transitions associated with job loss. Rapid Response is carried out by states and local workforce development agencies in partnership with the local American Job Center. Many services are available through American Job Centers, from resume and interview workshops, career counseling, and job search.

    https://nkcc.squarespace.com/get-help#RapidResponse

    Kenton County Library

    When employers are facing layoffs, they can direct affected employees to KCPL’s Beginner and Advanced Job Search Skills, LinkedIn and Computer Software classes to develop their ability to find new jobs. Downsized personnel can meet with Career Change Navigators to evaluate their skills and explore new paths.

    https://www.kentonlibrary.org/resource/job-search-central/


Funding and Incentives

  • Gateway Community & Technical College

    Gateway works with organizations across all sectors to identify skills needed and deliver custom programs that produce results. Our professional instructors provide targeted learning activities to your employees on campus or at your place of business.

    https://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

  • Enzweiler Building Institute/Building Industry Association

    The BIA-NKY has existed since 1955 as a member organization supporting the work of a variety of employers in the construction industry. Collaboration is the mission of our organization.

    https://buildersnky.com/

    KY Chamber of Commerce/ TPM

    Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) is a strategy developed through the US Chamber of Commerce to connect employers to the talent they need by empowering businesses to create and manage their talent supply chain.

    kychamber.com

    KY Cabinet for Economic Development

    Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Consortia Member Information Form for Bluegrass State Skills Corporation Application.

    https://ced.ky.gov/Workforce/BSSC

    thinkkentucky.com

    Life Learning Center

    Life Learning Center engages a variety of employer partners to determine their needs and help match potential job opportunities with qualified candidates enrolled in the Foundations for a Better Life program.

    Life Learning Center is committed to a holistic continuum of education and care that focuses on overcoming barriers in all domains of life seeking to help individuals learn, secure, and sustain a better way of living.

    https://www.lifelearningcenter.us/

    NKY Chamber of Commerce

    Gateway works with organizations across all sectors to identify skills needed and deliver custom programs that produce results. Our professional instructors provide targeted learning activities to your employees on campus or at your place of business.

    nkychamber.com

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    NKY CC staff are well-versed about Federal Bonding and can assist in connecting employers with this service. The purpose of this service is to help employers expand their candidate pools to include “transformational” or “second chance” individuals.

    nkcareercenter.org

  • Gateway Community & Technical College

    KCTCS TRAINS Funding is available to offset costs for Kentucky companies investing in their workforce through training and testing services delivered by colleges within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    KY Cabinet for Economic Development

    Bluegrass State Skills Corporation competitive Grant-in-Aid (GIA) provides funding reimbursements for worker training in manufacturing, agribusiness, non-retail service or technology, national or regional headquarters, and healthcare.

    thinkkentucky.com

    Life Learning Center

    There is no charge for any programming at LLC. The agency offers grant and scholarship opportunities for individuals participating in LLC’s partnership program with Gateway.

    Life Learning Center is committed to a holistic continuum of education and care that focuses on overcoming barriers in all domains of life seeking to help individuals learn, secure, and sustain a better way of living.

    https://www.lifelearningcenter.us/

  • Kentucky Career Center, NKY

    NKY CC offers Youth OJT experiences with a focus on earning a credential that leads to long-term employment.

    https://nkcareercenter.org/

    Gateway Community & Technical College

    Gateway’s apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with college coursework to accelerate learning and skills attainment. State funding may be available to offset your cost.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    Enzweiler Building Institute/Building Industry Association

    In addition to being a registered apprenticeship program, EBI operates on a learn-while-you-earn model that enables students to work in their field while attending classes.

    https://buildersnky.com/

  • Gateway Community & Technical College

    At Gateway, we offer dozens of scholarships. Some are general scholarships for students in any field while some are dedicated to students in specific majors.

    http://gateway.kctcs.edu/employers

    Enzweiler Building Institute/Building Industry Association

    Some are general scholarships for students in any field while some are dedicated to students in specific majors.

    https://buildersnky.com/

  • KY Cabinet for Economic Development

    Bluegrass State Skills Corporation’s Skills Training Investment Credit (STIC) offers state income tax credits for companies to offset the costs for approved training programs provided to incumbent employees in eligible industry sectors.

    https://ced.ky.gov/

    EC Learn

    EC LEARN is the local Child Care Resource and Referral agency offering a brokerage to available tax credits helping defray the tax burden for businesses that support child care as an infrastructure to their employees.

    https://eclearn.org/

    Northern Kentucky Tri-ED

    Tri-ED is the economic development company in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. Our team provides companies in the region with data, strategic counsel and connections. We assist companies that are growing or expanding, by adding new employees or investing in new equipment or space such as an addition or new building, access Kentucky incentives. We also have an in-house research manager who can share NKY- or Cincinnati region-specific wage data, demographic information, economic indicators and more with companies in NKY.

    https://be-nky.com/site-selection/business-retention-and-expansion/