Horizons Youth Services

Coal academy liaison discusses mining industry, jobs with Muhlenberg Job Corps heavy industry cluster students

Rick Caskey of the Coal Academy at Madisonville Community College,
 discusses careers in mining with Muhlenberg students.

Rick Caskey, coal liaison for Coal Technology and the Coal Academy at Madisonville Community College, discussed jobs and qualifications needed for those jobs in the coal industry  with Muhlenberg Job Corps Heavy Industry Cluster students on Oct. 22. Caskey, a former underground miner, shared a PowerPoint presentation with the group about what it takes to become certified to work in an underground mine and safety issues miners face each day. Caskey also spoke about associate degrees students can obtain in the mining field. Students asked questions about salary ranges, safety and availability of jobs in the mining field. Caskey said he would investigate the possibility of obtaining dual credit hours for students who complete Job Corps certifications that are similar to the ones Madisonville CC requires. Madisonville Community College currently offers advanced training for Muhlenberg Job Corps students in the health and heavy industry trades after they complete the Job Corps program.