Published in the May 2006 American Longwall Magazine

Big Sandy is part of the Kentucky Coal Academy, a group of five community institutions comprising Big Sandy as well as Hazard Community and Technical College, Henderson Community College, Madisonville Community College and Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.

The academy’s mission is three-pronged: to work with the coal industry’s future to educate and train; to assist in creating and sustaining industry jobs; and to provide career pathways for workers, including degree programs and certifications.

BSCTC vice president of institutional services Bobby McCool said while the coal careers program is a new initiative, the college has been helping serve the needs of future miners for some time. “The college offered surface mine certification, underground mine certification and MET (Mine Emergency Technician) training before this program began.”

Coal Careers director Machelle Holbrook said it was a joint effort between the school and various coal companies that helped the program come to fruition. “[It] originated from the mining industry owners’ and operators’ request for assistance from the college to help secure a labor force through a specialized training program,” she said, adding that other coal companies have shown interest in expanding the program’s model throughout Kentucky. Added Holbrook: “We hope to attract additional partners in the near future.”

Both McCool and Holbrook noted the areas of training are vast and diverse. “After successful completion of courses related to personal finance, computers [and] employability, they receive specific technical training in welding, electricity, hydraulics and mine simulators,” said Holbrook. Other classes, McCool noted, including certification courses and mine emergency training, round out the program’s offerings.

The instructors are also well-trained in their respective areas, allowing for a comprehensive education regardless of topic.

While there are currently 56 students ages 20 and up enrolled in the new Coal Careers program, interest from prospective students is increasing.

“A very competitive application process has been instituted by the coal companies whereby students are selected through rigorous screening and testing by the coal companies themselves. These students are ‘hired’ as co-operative education workers by the companies and paid while they train, both in the classroom and in the mines,” Holbrook said.

“We are constantly monitoring the progress and impact of this program. Some modifications have occurred which prove to be in the best interest of students and provide the coal industry with very talented employees.”

McCool agrees. “The total impact that this program will have on individuals’ lives cannot be measured. [Students], their families and their communities are being positively affected by this program. The ... program offers an individual the opportunity to earn a ‘good living’ as well as gain valuable skills that can impact their future for the better.”