BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – CPE, a Barboursville, Ky.-based small business, officially launched an advanced manufacturing (CNC) training and apprenticeship program during a ceremony held on Tuesday, October 30.

“This is a great day for the people of Knox County,” said Courtney Campbell, owner of CPE. “What is happening here demonstrates what can happen when people work together.”

Through a collaboration with Digital Careers Now, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, SOAR, and the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), participants will complete an extensive 16-week training that will lead to an apprenticeship and employment opportunities. 

Ray Leathers, commissioner of workforce investment, announced the apprenticeship designation.

Campbell also announced that CPE would be purchasing two more pieces of HAAS equipment to provide CNC training.  This additional investment is approximately $250,000.  

SOAR is a part of the consortium of Digital Careers Now and provided funds to assist in the development of instruction space at CPE.