'Ready to Work' and 'Work and Learn'

Ready to Work

Making the Move from Welfare to Work

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System helps Kentuckians on public assistance succeed in the workplace through the Ready to Work (RTW) program.

A partnership between KCTCS and the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children, RTW offers education and counseling to clients of the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP). The goal is to assist participants in making the transition to the workplace required by welfare reform.

Some of the Services Offered Through the RTW Program

• Enrollment assistance. A statewide network of coordinators guides potential RTW students through admissions and financial aid processes (FAFSA).
• Study options. KTAP clients may enroll in the full range of BCTC academic programs, including business, computers, health care and technical fields. Short-term certificates as well as diploma and degree programs are available.
• Continuing services. RTW coordinators also work with students to access transportation and child care so they can attend classes. The coordinators provide ongoing counseling, including career assessment and planning. Work-study opportunities. Students can gain workplace experience and build work skills while earning extra income that does not reduce KTAP benefits.
• Other Opportunities include mentoring, peer support, community referrals, assistance with career counseling.

Through RTW, education is a pathway to self-sufficiency. If you're ready to work, RTW is ready for you.

Work and Learn

The Work and Learn Program assists parents on KTAP who are working toward their GEDs or who already have a high school diploma or GED and need to strengthen some basic skills before entering college. This comprehensive supportive services Program helps these parents in obtaining a GED and/or making the transition to college a smooth one. Clients also have the opportunity to earn a paid work-study position (these earnings will not count against their KTAP benefits).

The following counties are served by the BCTC Work and Learn Program:

• Anderson
• Boyle
• Clark
• Estill
• Fayette
• Franklin
• Garrard
• Jessamine
• Lincoln
• Madison
• Mercer
• Powell
• Scott
• Woodford

Work and Learn Contact

Kirk Fraser
Work and Learn Coordinator
164 Opportunity Way
Lexington KY 40511
(859) 246-6762 ext. 56762
kirk.fraser@kctcs.edu