Technology & Call Centers

BitSource and Teleworks USA

Gigabyte Service in East Kentucky

Connectivity and technology are fueling growth in Eastern Kentucky.  From Customer Care Centers to Technology-Driven Start-Ups and Data Companies, the former mining workforce is proving their valuable work ethic and skill sets aren’t just for hard labor.  BitSource is a prime example of the immense transferability of this workforce.  BitSource began as a concept of two local entrepreneurs who knew that coding in the tech sector was just like welding in the manufacturing sector.  Today, BitSource is a growing tech start-up who’s workforce is completely comprised of former coal workers.

Kentucky WiredKentucky Wired is a project designed to bring Gigabyte service throughout Eastern Kentucky.  This program will extend and grow existing services provided by multiple telecom companies through the construction of the Dark Fiber Middle Mile.  Several of our cities in the One East Kentucky region are currently working toward becoming Gigabyte Cities.

Telecommunications

telecommunications

AT&T, Windstream, Gearheart Communications, Thacker-Grigsby and multiple other telecom providers serve the One East Kentucky region with speeds you need.  Whether it is 100 megabytes per second or gigabyte service, East Kentucky is investing to provide encourage more technology and data center operations.

Customer Care Center Cluster

customer care cluster

  • Since 2011, the One East Kentucky region has experienced 64% growth in Telemarketing Bureaus and Other Contact Centers.
  • We have 3 times the U.S. Average of number of people employed in Telemarketing Bureaus and Other Contact Centers.
  • Sykes enterprises and Healthcare National Marketing have substantial call centers in our region.
  • Nearly 14,000 underemployed workers provide an immediate labor pool for Customer Care Centers in our region.  These workers currently make less than $10/hr in Food Service, Janitorial and other low-skill positions.

Skilled Labor in East Kentucky

The One East Kentucky region is home to the following number of skilled workers in the Technology and Customer Care Sector:

  • 305 – Software, Web, Database and Computer Developers
  • 125 – Business Operations Specialists
  • 60 – Computer Systems Analysts
  • 58 – Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
  • 36 – Computer and Information Systems Managers

kentucky powerElectric Power Provider

Technology, Data Centers and Customer Contact Centers must have an abundant as well as reliable supply of electric power.  We are served by AEP Kentucky Power, a publicly traded investor-owned electric utility. AEP owns more of the nation’s electricity transmission system than all the other U.S. transmission systems combined. AEP consistently ranks as a top-10 utility company for economic development by Site Selection Magazine.

University of Pikeville

University of Pikeville

The University of Pikeville’s College of Business has a computer science program which can be leveraged to train your employees.  Additionally, the University has a school of Nursing which could be helpful to healthcare related call centers.

Support Programs at Community & Technical Colleges

Support Programs at Community & Technical Colleges

More than 14,000 students are currently enrolled in technical and community college programs at three colleges in our region.  The following programs are offered to support the Technology and Customer Care Center Sector:


Computer and Information Technology

Computer and Information Technology

Certifications Available:

  • A+
  • CISCO Networking Associate
  • CIT Fundamentals
  • Computer Support Technician
  • Computer Tech
  • Database Administration
  • Game Programming
  • Information Security Specialist
  • Microsoft Enterprise Administrator
  • Microsoft Network Administrator
  • Net +
  • Network Technologies Specialist
  • Productivity Software Specialist
  • Programming
  • Security +
  • Web Programming
  • Web Administration

Business Administration

Business Administration

Certifications Available:

  • Information Systems Management
  • Office Systems
  • Payroll Accounting Specialist
  • Sales
  • Telecommunications Systems Management

Medical Information Technology

Medical Information Technology

Certifications Available:

  • Medical Insurance Coder
  • Medical Transcriptionist
  • Medical Records Clerk

Visual Communications: Multimedia

Visual Communications: Multimedia

Certifications Available:

  • Multimedia
  • Video Productions
  • Web Design