Trading up: NKY employers find solutions during worker shortage

This story originally appeared in the July 21 edition of the Weekly LINK Reader. To get these stories first, subscribe here. This podcast is a companion piece for the original written story. Read the full story here.“I love working outside,” Cranston Jones said. “The weather don’t bother me. We have rain now, but you can always dress for the cold.”<br/><br/>He rises before the sun, at 4 a.m each workday, to arrive at Rumpke for his shift at 6, “grabbing recycling bins and taking care of the neighborhoods.” He works the route until about 10:30 a.m., then shifts to a new section of town. When Jones is finished there, he’ll help in another area if needed before his workday ends around 3:30 p.m.<br/><br/>“It helps me feel like I’m a part of something,” Jones, 46, said of his career as a Rumpke truck driver. “You can see the happiness in the people. Sometimes, people will come out and tell us we are doing a great job. They offer us water and Gatorade when it’s warm out. They love our service. They show appreciation for what we do and make it easier.”<br/><br/>As Northern Kentucky companies find their tradespeople aging out of their careers, several local companies are looking to manufacture their own employees. This trend, called upskilling, is proving successful when it comes to replenishing the jobs left behind by the retiring generation, teaching workers and turning them into public-facing employees.<br/><br/>By LINK nky contributor Noah Jones<br/><br/><br/>The Sunday Story by LINK nky is a deep dive into Northern Kentucky issues that impact our communities. This podcast will address important topics that require a closer look. You can experience this story in three ways; read, listen or watch<br/> Want to see these stories first? Subscribe to our LINK Reader for just $25 a year. Click here to sign up.