GLENDALE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Before BlueOval SK's massive battery plant can begin production, hundreds of employees are in training and learning the ropes of EV battery production.
"I think everybody is going to probably get the opportunity to put their skills to the test," Tyree Washington said.
That opportunity started just seven days ago for Washington.
The Georgia native is one of about 750 new employees being trained to work at the new BlueOval SK battery plant.
"Being 21 now and I am seeing this is the opportunity available for me to move up from my life and take care of my family, yeah, I thought it was huge," Washington said.
On Wednesday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined executives of BlueOval and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College on a tour of the training facility.
He took a few moments to stop in each class and saw what is being taught and how the plant is being developed, now with the focus internally.
"Folks that are training here are going to be able to work in the EV industry until they retire knowing that our place in the automotive sector is secured," Beshear said.
Even with EV sales slowing, causing the second BlueOval plant to be put on pause, Beshear said the $5.8 billion project is on track for a huge economic impact in the commonwealth.
"If others slow down my hope is that means our battery manufacture grab a bigger and bigger market share as it comes and we become an even bigger player than maybe we originally forecast," Beshear said.
The target of the plant is 2,500 jobs, a number that is planned to speed up to 5,000 by 2030 and Washington still plans to be there.
"I think everybody around us was talking about this, everybody wanted to jump in on the opportunity," Washington said.
The BlueOval SK battery plant is expected to open sometime in 2025.
You can apply on BlueOvalSK's website by clicking here. Interested candidates can also sign up to attend an upcoming hiring session. To sign up for a hiring session, click here.
More BlueOval SK Coverage:
- Beshear, community leaders officially open employee training center for Ford EV plant in Hardin County
- Despite delay, BlueOval SK has plenty of time to meet terms of Kentucky deal
- KYTC proposes 3 options for new bypass in Glendale near BlueOval SK plant
- Downtown Elizabethtown facing parking challenges amid growth, BlueOval SK plant expansion
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