Hey SOAR friend,

There’s a lot of good happening across Eastern Kentucky right now... and it’s exciting to see it all come together. From hiring events that turn into real job offers to new opportunities popping up every week, the momentum is real.

If you haven’t seen it yet, Mountain Top News recently shared a great article highlighting one of our recent hiring events and the impact of connecting local talent directly with employers. It’s always a proud moment to see Eastern Kentuckians stepping into new opportunities, and to see our communities celebrated for that work.

Read the Mountain Top News article about the hiring event!

We’re keeping that energy going with new jobs, new training opportunities, and more ways to help you take your next step with confidence.

Let’s keep the momentum rolling into February!

P.S. Hit reply and let me know what you want to see in this weekly email? It will go directly to my personal inbox, and I promise to get back to you!

Newest Job Opportunities Available to Members 

Tech:

• Field Tech Support Analyst — UnitedHealthcare

• Desktop Engineer / IT Support — Harvey Nash USA

• Partner Engagement Manager (Healthcare IT) — GDIT 

Remote:

• Benefits Call Center Representative — Conduent

• Online Course Facilitator (Biological Sciences) — EKU

• Operations Coordinator — Honor

Apply for membership and join the Eastern Kentucky Talent Network.

Featured Employer: Pikeville Public Safety Department

This week, I’m excited to spotlight the Pikeville Public Safety Department, which plays a vital role in protecting and serving the Pikeville community through emergency response, law enforcement, and public safety operations.

Featured In-Person Opportunity:

Public Safety Telecommunicator II: This role supports emergency operations by answering 911 calls, dispatching first responders, and assisting with critical public safety communications. 

Join the Eastern Kentucky Talent Network and mark “Pikeville Public Safety” on your form — we’ll make sure your resume gets to the right place.

New Job Training & Upskilling Opportunities

Finding the right job is easier when you feel prepared, and that’s where our training and upskilling opportunities come in. Shaping Our Appalachian Region offers hands-on workshops designed to help you strengthen your skills, build confidence, and feel ready for what’s next.

Career Readiness Workshops

These sessions focus on helping you put your best foot forward in today’s job market. Topics include:

• Creating or refreshing a resume that reflects your experience

• Practicing interview responses and professional communication

• Understanding workplace expectations and how to navigate them

They’re a great fit whether you’re just getting started, returning to work, or exploring a new path.

Digital Skills Workshops

Technology plays a role in nearly every job, and our Digital Skills Workshops are designed to make it feel more approachable. These sessions help participants get comfortable using everyday digital tools, improve online communication, and build skills that employers are actively looking for.

If you want to sharpen your skills or boost your confidence before applying, these workshops are a great place to start.

Whether you’re applying for your first job or your next one, these opportunities are built to help you show up ready.

Join the Eastern Kentucky Job Seekers Facebook Group!

Shaping Our Appalachian Region

Connecting talent, opportunity, and community to get 15,000 Eastern Kentuckians to work by 2035.

At Shaping Our Appalachian Region, we believe in the power of community, the value of meaningful work, and the potential of every individual. We're creating pathways to move Eastern Kentucky forward, empowering individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency while contributing to thriving communities: One person at a time, one family at a time, one community at a time.