Southern’s Workforce Development Program Hosts Multiple Free Surface Mining Classes

The Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies assembles success with free mining classes.

Logan, WV— June 2023 — This week, Southern WV Community & Technical College’s Workforce Development Program hosted multiple free surface mining classes on the Logan Campus. The Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies (Mine Academy) saw such a significant turnout, the course had to branch into multiple classes with several instructors. Workforce Development decided to host another free surface mining class next week.

“This is our way to give back to the community,” said Dr. David Lemmon, Dean of Professional and Technical Studies. “If we can assist just one individual to achieve employment, that’s success in my eyes.”

This course is geared toward new miners to identify hazards in the workplace and understand the surface mining process. Once students complete the week-long class, they will test to earn their WV 40-Hour Surface Apprentice card. The Mine Academy is funded by grants through Workforce WV and the Department of Energy. Classes have been offered through Southern since 2003.

“The coal industry holds a special place in my heart,” said Shelby Porter, Education Program Specialist for Professional and Technical Studies. “My family has been around coal for more than 50 years. My papaw was a coal miner, and my dad and uncle worked on the railroad. My father-in-law works at a coal mine. Being able to aid miners is important to me and other families like mine in the region.”

The upcoming free Surface Mining Class is Tuesday, June 20th, through Saturday, June 24th, from 8 AM until 4 PM in Building B, Room 116, on the Logan Campus. Students must pre-register for the class by emailing or calling 304.896.7272. Limited spots are available.

For more information about the Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies:
www.southernwv.edu/workforce