Every person who has run for political office touts a need for good, high-paying jobs in the Commonwealth, and while it should always be our focus to attract more businesses and jobs in Kentucky, there is really no shortage of good jobs here.

The truth is, too many good-paying jobs remain unfilled because prospective employees lack the skills necessary to fill them.

An outreach campaign launched Wednesday in Kentucky has a goal to spread awareness about some of the “great, high-paying jobs out there that are not getting filled because folks haven’t had access to get the training they need.”

Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner unveiled an outreach campaign Wednesday aimed at educating Kentuckians about the numerous job openings in the state and the short-term certification programs available to put citizens on a fast path to obtaining these jobs.

Help Wanted Kentucky is a response to an increasing demand for skilled workers in five high-demand industries across Kentucky: advanced manufacturing, business and information technology, construction trades, health care and transportation and logistics.

At the campaign’s website, helpwantedky.com, social media platforms and even a text-for-information line (JOBSKY to 66186), Kentuckians can learn more about these careers, the certifications required and even how to get their job training paid for by a Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship.

As Gov. Matt Bevin said, these certifications will open doors for promising career fields for Kentuckians while producing a more skilled and qualified workforce.

While this program will help fill pre-existing jobs, we can be certain programs like Help Wanted Kentucky and the like will attract other business and industry in our state.