WERK Program | BCTC

Education & Training

Free Tuition with the Work Ready Scholarship Program

Eligible Program

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WERK Program

WHAT IS THE WERK PROGRAM?

BCTC’s WERK Program offers avenues to short-term certification and employment for homeless or housing insecure individuals. WERK offers certification for high-demand jobs that provide stable incomes. WERK stands for Weekend Employment Readiness for Kentucky.  Classes meet on Saturdays* for students with work and family demands during the week. Once-a-week classes require less time commitment.  (*Other days are available for courses.)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

The WERK Program is open to homeless or housing-unstable individuals. 

This includes those who:

  • Are seeking a GED
  • Have a high school diploma or GED 
  • Have some college experience

WHAT IS THE COST?

Tuition may be free with the Work Ready KY Scholarship!

The Work Ready KY Scholarship is a last-dollar tuition scholarship for students who: 

  • Have not earned an associate or higher degree
  • Plan to enroll in selected technical programs

To apply, students must complete the FAFSA and the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Application.

For additional information contact Joshua Gibson, Work Ready Advisor at 859-246-6374 or the BCTC Financial Aid Office at 855-246-2477.  Additional information can also be found at the Work Ready KY website.

LENGTH OF PROGRAM

Short-term certificates can be completed in as little as eight weeks.  Courses follow an eight or twelve-week format to support students with challenging life circumstances.  Shorter semesters allow students to get in, get out, and get employed faster.

Certification Programs**

  • A+ Prep (Computers & Information Technology)  
  • Welder Helper (Gas Welder)
  • Data Entry Operator
  • Basis Carpenter   

**Even if you aren’t interested in the programs above, please contact us. We can connect you with the program and courses that are the best fit for you.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

To increase successful outcomes, WERK Program participants have access to:

  • Laptop loans
  • 24/7 tutoring
  • Job skills training
  • Job placement services
  • And more.

Want to learn more?  

Contact:
Gayle Bartilow, WERK Program Director
gayle.bartilow@kctcs.edu
(859) 246-6214