
The Knox Regional Development Alliance has entered a partnership with the state’s regional employment office to help military spouses discover job opportunities.
Described by KRDA as “a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive model in partnership,” the organization will be working with Kentucky Career Centers–Lincoln Trail along with the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board and Fort Knox.
While the post frequently has arrivals and departures of staff, its currently experiencing an influx of families relocating as part of the Army’s decision to establish its new V Corps headquarters at Fort Knox. More than 2,000 newcomers are expected as soldiers and others arrive with their families.
“Statistics say that upwards of 70 percent of job opportunities don’t come from a job board but rather from professional relationships that military spouses, being new to the community, typically don’t have,” KRDA CEO Jim Iacocca said. “We are tapping into our caring, supportive community to help our military spouses connect with organizations and people who may open the door to a new employment opportunity.”
Through this job partnership, the Career Center will oversee a three-step process which begins with a short questionnaire. From there, information gathered helps match participants with an experienced KCC-LT professional who will help with job search and training at no cost.
“Whether it’s training, career workshops or help finding employment, our career center team provides a one-stop-shop for any employment or training needs,” said Sherry Johnson of the Workforce Development Board, which oversees the KCC-LT. “Additionally, military spouses will be matched with a community connector who will help them grow their professional network, which can often open the door to new professional opportunities.”
KRDA has been involved in recruitment of the volunteer community connectors who will provide this added support and personalized. Iacocca, a retired Army brigadier general, said the community response was enthusiastic.
“As expected, the community response was immediate and overwhelming and we couldn’t be more grateful,” he said.
Iacocca shared details of the model with Army Human Resources Command officials who agreed to include the resource on military orders of any soldier coming to Fort Knox.
“This allows military spouses to access this support even before they arrive,” Iacocca said. “We appreciate HRC’s support as we work to be proactive in our support to military families.”
Melinda Roberts, Fort Knox’s chief of Army Community Services, praised the community for partnering with Fort Knox ACS to develop this comprehensive model of support to help military spouses find employment.
“We always are looking for new and innovative ways to tap into community resources and think this new model could become an Army best practice,” Roberts said in a statement. “We are fortunate to have great community partners who want to help us do the very best we can for our Army families.”
Iacocca encouraged all military spouses looking for employment or training opportunities to go to greaterfortknox.com/jobs to learn more and tap into these resources.