Opening Doors to Careers in Kentucky’s Metals Industry

[Image: TPM]

Last month, Todd County Central High School students had the unique opportunity to tour Ball Corporation in Bowling Green through the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Bus to Business® program. As part of the TPM® Metals Manufacturing Collaborative with MI2, this visit marked Ball’s first student tour, giving participants an inside look at safety, career pathways, and the future of manufacturing.

At MI2, we know that a strong workforce begins with early exposure and hands-on experiences. This partnership is a prime example of how industry and education can come together to prepare the next generation for high-demand careers in metals manufacturing.

Strengthening the Talent Pipeline in Kentucky

Kentucky’s metals industry is a major economic driver, but sustaining its growth depends on a steady stream of skilled workers. That’s why initiatives like Bus to Business® are critical—they connect students with real-world opportunities, helping them see a future in industries that might otherwise feel out of reach.

Through career pathways in K-12 education, we are ensuring that students not only learn about these industries but also understand how to access the training and jobs available to them. By integrating classroom learning with real-world industry exposure, we can bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that students from all backgrounds see manufacturing as a viable, rewarding career choice.

Telling the Story of Metals Manufacturing

One of the biggest challenges in workforce development is awareness. Many young people don’t realize the breadth of opportunities in the metals industry or how their skills and interests could align with careers in fabrication, machining, engineering, and beyond. By telling the story of metals manufacturing at all age levels, we can ignite interest early and keep students engaged in the journey toward good-paying, in-demand jobs.

This tour at Ball Corporation is just one example of how we can bring visibility to these careers, giving students direct access to employers, role models, and mentors in manufacturing.

Expanding Opportunities Beyond Interstate Hubs

For many rural communities, accessing career pathways in high-growth industries can be a challenge. Many of Kentucky’s manufacturing employers aren’t located along the main interstate corridors, making it even more important to develop models that bring opportunities to students outside traditional economic hubs.

By partnering with organizations like the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, MI2 is committed to ensuring that students from all regions—urban and rural—have equal access to career exploration and training opportunities. Programs like TPM® Metals Manufacturing Collaborative serve as a model for how we can extend manufacturing career awareness into all parts of the state, not just major metropolitan areas.

As we continue working to develop Kentucky’s talent pipeline, partnerships between schools, businesses, and workforce initiatives are key. The more we can connect students to real-world industry experiences, the better equipped they will be to step into the high-demand jobs of the future.

We’re excited about the momentum created by this Ball Corporation tour and look forward to continuing this work—expanding access, increasing awareness, and strengthening the workforce that will drive Kentucky’s metals industry forward.