Workforce Development

High Demand Job Scholarship

In an effort to ensure our local employers have a skilled workforce pool to choose from, PCDC partners with the Phelps County Community Foundation offer scholarships for training in high demand job areas. This program incentivizes local youth to seriously evaluate their career path as well as rewarding them for returning to work for Phelps County businesses.

High Demand Jobs Include: Welders, Machinist, Manufacturing Technicians, Electricians, Plumbers, Masonry, Nursing, Dietary Specialists, Diesel Mechanics, CDL, and more!

Over $30,000 in scholarships are awarded annually on the condition that recipients return to work for a Phelps County business, in a High Demand Job, for a minimum of one year per every $1,000 awarded.

Eligibility:

  • High School Graduate or GED equivalent
  • Enrolled(at least half time) in any college, technical, or trade school
  • Min. 2.0 GPA
  • Pursuing training or education in one the following industries: Manufacturing, Agriculture, Construction Trades, Nursing, Transportation and Mechanics

To apply, or refer one of your employees, visit the Phelps County Community Foundation website or contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148   Applications are available beginning December 1st of each year.

Plus, we have many local continuing education options to achieve training in one of these areas!


Employee Training Grant

As part of our GO! WORK initiative we offer a matching grant for employee education and training. To learn more click here.


Intern Assistance Program

We can help you plan for an intern and even help write a grant for the InterNE program. Contact our office for more information and assistance. (308) 995-4148


Employee Education Opportunities

Whether they are educating local high school youth or helping non-traditional students improve their skills, many of our nearby institutions add value to our local labor pool by offering quality educational opportunities.

Central Community College

Holdrege Learning Center is conveniently located in the heart of Phelps County. With 5 classrooms, a computer lab, and high tech-distance learning classrooms they offer courses including: GED, Community Education, EMS, CNA, Med Aide, multiple distance learning classes via video conference, and a focused environment for online courses.

CCC and PCDC also partner with local businesses to develop custom workforce training curriculum and provide on-site educational programs for employees. Programs include: Leadership and Development, Computer Training, Human Resources Management, Industrial Maintenance, Quality Control, Environmental Health and Safety, Computer Technology, Mechatronics, Welding Technology, and Industrial Technology.

Kearney Campus is an easy 35 minute commute They currently offer courses in Nursing and Business & Industry but are planning a large expansion for Fall 2018 to include Advanced Manufacturing, Welding, Mechatronics Technology, and other Health Sciences. This new center will be a huge advantage for Phelps County employers for recruiting workforce.

Hastings Campus is just 57 miles away! Hastings campus offers 28 career education programs in addition to providing courses in 17 areas for students who plan to complete two years at CCC before transferring to four-year colleges and universities to complete bachelor’s degrees.

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Only 31 Miles - an Easy Commute for a Quality Nebraska Education

The University of Nebraska at Kearney also provides local businesses with a supply of bright, young employees. UNK offers 170 undergraduate majors, 25 pre-professional programs, and 34 graduate programs sure to complement business' needs. Many of our local youth choose UNK for the commutable distance to home and ability to maintain local employment while finishing their education.