Workforce Ecosystem Alignment

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation strengthens communities and expands opportunity across the Commonwealth by helping employers lead collaborative, business-driven workforce solutions. Through its workforce ecosystem alignment initiatives—Talent Pipeline Management (TPM®) and the Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT)—the Foundation connects partners and strategy to build a stronger workforce for Kentucky’s future.

Together, TPM® and SWATT strengthen Kentucky’s workforce ecosystem, aligning employers, educators, and communities to create opportunities that allow all Kentuckians to learn, work, and thrive.

• 16 employers have partnered with stakeholders in the SWATT initiative.
• 12 SWATT program pilots facilitated across the Commonwealth.
• 1,100 Kentuckians have been connected to meaningful jobs, hands-on training, and work-based learning opportunities through the Foundation’s talent pipeline programming. 

Participate

Join TPM® or SWATT to strengthen your talent pipeline, improve hiring and retention, and shape regional workforce strategy.

Partner and Support

Your engagement expands opportunity statewide. Through collaborative projects and employer engagement, your support advances solutions that connect business, education, and community, enabling more Kentuckians to learn, work, and thrive.

Contact

For questions about the Foundation's workforce ecosystem alignment efforts or to discuss partnership opportunities through TPM® or SWATT, contact Laurie Mays at lmays@kychamber.com.

What is the Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT)?

Kentucky invests more than $1.2 billion annually in workforce programs, yet only 15% of employers actively engage with the system. Many businesses report feeling overwhelmed by duplicated outreach and a lack of clarity about where to turn for support. The Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT) is working to address these challenges by aligning efforts, improving communication, and creating clear, consistent pathways to workforce solutions—ultimately helping employers get the support they need, when they need it.

Launched in 2023, SWATT was created in response to one core reality: Kentucky’s workforce challenges cannot be solved by any one organization alone. The SWATT mission is to build a collaborative, coordinated, and streamlined business services system that makes it easier for employers to access talent and navigate workforce resources.

Key leaders came together with a shared vision: to build a more unified, employer-centered workforce ecosystem that works better for everyone.

SWATT helps employers:

• Navigate workforce resources across state, regional, and local levels
• Build customized strategies for talent attraction, retention, and development
• Engage with a network of providers aligned around business needs

SWATT strengthens the broader workforce ecosystem to:

• Strengthen alignment across business service partners
• Increase employer engagement and trust
• Streamline communication and business service delivery

What Organizations are Involved in SWATT?

To drive this effort, the following organizations partnered together:

Other supporting organizations:

• Kentucky Department of Education
• Goodwill Kentucky
• KYSTATS
• Kentucky Association of Manufacturers 
• Kentucky Hospital Association

More Resources 

• SWATT webinar link
• SWATT Subcommittee Interest Form