East Kentucky Labor

Find Your Available, Skilled Workforce

Hiring remains one of the biggest challenges facing companies across the United States. While countless rural communities boast a low cost of living and access to quality infrastructure, few regions have a strong workforce actively seeking employment.

This is where Eastern Kentucky shines. The evolution of the coal industry has significantly reduced the number of available jobs in the region, leaving skilled, dedicated employees looking for work. This creates opportunities for new industries to enter the region and easily hire people who are ready to launch new careers.

A 2025 nationwide survey of manufacturers found nearly half (46%) say closing the skills gap is “the most critical factor” for the industry to survive in the United States. The residents of Eastern Kentucky have essential work-ready skills and are prepared to grow their technical knowledge when opportunities for work become available. 

Portrait of a Coal Worker

According to the Kentucky Center for Statistics, 85% of coal jobs in the state were lost in the past 30 years. Kentucky led the nation in coal employment, with nearly 30,000 workers in 1990, and today the industry employs about 4,000 people.

As of 2023, 37% of workers who left coal jobs never returned to covered employment again. People of all ages have been affected by this industry shift. Only half of workers aged 25 to 34 found employment within three years of leaving the coal industry. This drops to 42% for people ages 35 to 44.

However, former coal workers are high-potential hires. Research shows they possess key competencies desirable to manufacturing companies, such as mechanical operations, equipment maintenance, mathematics, critical thinking, and core decision-making. They have both technical knowledge of machines and soft skills, such as active listening and problem-solving. 
 

Companies moving to Eastern Kentucky have an advantage that is nearly impossible to find elsewhere in the United States. 

There are available, skilled workers looking to relaunch their careers. 

Compatible Occupation Sectors

A survey by Boyette Strategic Advisors evaluated the core competencies of former coal miners and identified which industries would be ideal fits for their transferable skills. They found that these workers are likely to succeed in automotive, aerospace, plastics, wood, and metal manufacturing fields.

These are the industries that are currently moving to Eastern Kentucky.

• Infinity Design and Construction opened a 43,850-square-foot production facility in Floyd County in 2024, creating 36 jobs. 
• Appalachian Tank, a subsidiary of Platinum Tank Group, opened a plant in Pike County in 2021, employing 50 workers. 
• Dajcor Aluminum expanded to Perry County in 2019. It has a 100-employee operation on a 30-acre campus.

These companies recognize the value of Eastern Kentucky and its strong labor market. They have all grown since opening their doors and have found no shortage of employees ready to learn new skills. The best part is that there is room for more.  

Eastern Kentucky is Investing in Training and Education 

The nine counties that comprise Eastern Kentucky are taking steps to upskill and reskill the workforce. Local education providers are developing curricula for the current workforce and preparing to meet the needs of manufacturers. There are multiple technical colleges and training institutes stepping up to actively support companies, job seekers, and local communities.

A great example is Big Sandy Community and Technical College, which has a campus less than a mile from the Hagar Hill Industrial Site in Johnson County. Whatever companies move into that space will have a qualified education and training partner as a next-door neighbor.

Explore other education partners in Eastern Kentucky and deepen your understanding of the local workforce and its skill set.

Contact One East Kentucky to discuss opportunities in the region, including how to hire as you establish your operations here.