Kentucky students and graduates signed on to careers in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) field at this year’s Going Pro signing day event. Abound Credit Union presented each signer with a check for $250. Photo by Fiona Morgan, Kentucky Department of Education, March 31, 2026
(VERSAILLES, KY) – Kentucky students and graduates signed on to careers in career and technical education (CTE) at this year’s Going Pro signing day event on March 31.
Held at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) office in Versailles, the signers were recognized by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and KCTCS for beginning their professional careers or committing to careers with companies in Kentucky.
Sebastian Danniels, a senior at Corbin High School (Corbin Independent) and an automotive student at the Corbin Area Technology Center (ATC), signed on to a future career at Caterpillar (CAT), a construction equipment production company. He will be attending the CAT ThinkBIG Program in Peoria, Ill., next school year.
Over the course of two years, he will learn about engine fundamentals, machine hydraulics, Caterpillar fuel systems, machine electrical systems and other things to help prepare him for a career at Boyd CAT in Kentucky.
Danniels will be studying heavy duty technology as part of the program, and he said he enjoys fixing equipment. As part of his work at the Corbin ATC, he has been progressing toward a career in the construction field for four years.
“I enjoy the satisfaction of getting the job done and seeing something that looks broken, getting it fixed and running up again,” Danniels said. “… (I’m looking forward to) running equipment, building engines and having a lifelong career that I know will be a steady job.”
Associate Commissioner Beth Hargis of KDE’s Office of Career and Technical Education congratulated all the signers at the Going Pro event and spoke on the importance of career and technical education (CTE).
“Whenever you consider the overall education that our K-12 students receive, the most important thing that we always hear about are reading, writing and arithmetic, and we know that those are essential for success,” Hargis said. “We also recognize that CTE belongs right beside them. You can’t have one without the other. These are foundational skills that students are learning.”
She explained how CTE pathways in high school provide rigorous, highly skilled training which opens doors to attaining industry-recognized credentials, dual-credit opportunities and work-based learning experiences.
“Through CTE, we are preparing students not only for today’s workforce, but the workforce of tomorrow,” Hargis said.
Sebastian Danniels, a senior at Corbin High School (Corbin Independent) and an automotive student at the Corbin Area Technology Center (ATC), signed on to a future career at the construction company Caterpillar during the Going Pro signing event. Photo by Fiona Morgan, Kentucky Department of Education, March 31, 2026
The Going Pro signing day was also the first event to kick off Community College Month in April. KCTCS is comprised of regional colleges to serve all areas of the state. One goal of KCTCS is to help combat a national workforce shortage, particularly in STEM careers.
Ryan Quarles, president of KCTCS, spoke about how community colleges help prepare students for careers in CTE in addition to connecting them with employers in high-demand careers.
“A lot of people look towards our community and technical colleges as the powerhouse to connect with our employers across Kentucky,” Quarles said.
He said the majority of KCTCS credentials are awarded in programs aligned to the state’s top five targeted industry sectors: advanced manufacturing, business/information technology, construction/skilled trades, healthcare and transportation/logistics.
Other signees at the event committed to careers in nursing, welding and transportation.
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