Are you a displaced coal miner or former coal mine employee in need of technical skills training?

If so, you could qualify for free workforce training from The Center for Rural Development’s Displaced Coal Miner Training (DCMT) program.

Jackson County Judge-executive Shane Gabbard and The Center are hosting a Displaced Coal Miner Training Orientation Day on Wednesday, June 15, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Jackson County Public Library in the Community Room in McKee to discuss training opportunities available through the program.

The DCMT program is open to displaced coal miners and former coal employees who have been adversely affected by the decline in the coal industry in 13 Kentucky counties.

“A second change is essential to someone who feels hopeless,” Judge Gabbard said.

Ron Hart, chief operating officer, and program representative Robyn Phillips will be available from The Center to answer questions about the DCMT program and to register eligible students for workforce training.

The program is administered by The Center, a nonprofit organization based in Somerset, and made possible through a $500,000 private grant, which provides free workforce training and re-employment services for displaced coal miners and other qualified non-mining employees.

An applicant must have worked in the grant coverage area to qualify for training.  A “displaced coal miner” is defined as someone who has experienced a layoff and who has had continuous employment of at least one year in the coal mine industry within the last five years.

For more information on the Displaced Coal Miner Training program, contact Robyn Phillips at 606-677-6000 or visit dcmt.centertech.com.centertech.com.