Training the Trainer: How SkillRise 270 Leaders Keep Learning

Never Stop Learning: Why "Training the Trainer" Powers the SkillRise 270 Mission

At SkillRise 270, our mission centers on empowering our community. Whether we’re introducing folks to digital fabrication, walking through beginner graphic design, or hosting hands-on woodworking workshops, our goal is simple: to share knowledge, foster self-reliance, and unlock practical skills for everyone in Mayfield and Graves County.

However, there’s a vital truth behind every great workshop, class, or community initiative: the best teachers never stop being students.

To deliver high-quality, high-impact experiences for our community, we as leaders and instructors must continuously hone our own craft. "Training the trainer" isn't just a corporate buzzword for us—it is an ongoing commitment to personal growth, organizational excellence, and responsible leadership.

Investing in Leadership: Board Training with the MGC Chamber

Growth starts at the top. To build a sustainable, forward-thinking organization, our leadership team actively seeks out opportunities to strengthen our foundation and governance.

On October 21, five of our Advisory Board members and our Executive Director attended the Mayfield-Graves County Chamber’s Lunch N Learn for Board Training, held in the Community Room of the Graves County Library. The session was led by Dr. Elise Kieffer of Murray State University’s Nonprofit Resource Center.

Participating in focused board training ensures that our leadership remains aligned, strategic, and fully equipped to guide SkillRise 270 into its next chapter. By sharpening our skills in non-profit oversight, governance, and community alignment, our board ensures that every dollar, every volunteer hour, and every workshop brings maximum value to the community we serve.

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — often attributed to Benjamin Franklin

Deepening Our Community Roots: Inmate Community Supervisor Training

Being an effective trainer also means understanding the full scope of our community’s needs and opening doors for second-chance opportunities.

In that same busy week, our Executive Director completed the Inmate Community Supervisor Training hosted by the Graves County Restricted Custody Center.

This training equips our leadership to safely and effectively supervise local participants in community work programs and workforce development initiatives. By actively participating in specialized local training like this, SkillRise 270 expands its capacity to support re-entry programs, foster trade skills education, and serve all members of our community safely, inclusively, and with empathy.

Why "Training the Trainer" Matters for Our Community

Why do we dedicate time to attending these workshops and training sessions? Here is why constant learning is essential to our core mission:

• Raising the Standard of Instruction: When our leaders and instructors model continuous learning, our community programs become stronger, safer, and more effective.
• Building Stronger Community Networks: Attending local education and training events keeps us connected with neighboring organizations, local government, and fellow leaders working toward the same goals.
• Leading by Example: We cannot ask our community members to step out of their comfort zones to learn new skills if we aren't willing to do the same ourselves.
• Ensuring Sustainable Growth: Sharper operational, governance, and safety skills ensure that SkillRise 270 remains a reliable, long-term resource for Mayfield and Western Kentucky.

Growing Together

SkillRise 270 is built on the belief that learning is a lifelong, collaborative journey. Every time our board members attend a seminar, or our director completes a specialized certification, we bring that knowledge right back to our community space.

We are proud to learn alongside you—and we can’t wait to show you what’s next!

Interested in getting involved or attending an upcoming workshop? Follow SkillRise 270 on social media or check out our latest event listings to see what we're learning next!