By Steven Baubilitz 

June 24, 2018 - Pierpont Community & Technical College and Murray Energy Corp. held an information session Saturday on the new mine maintenance technology Associate Degree program.

A partnership between the college and the corporation, the two-year program will begin in the fall, providing students with an opportunity to learn mine maintenance skills in the classroom and underground.

Students in the program will earn a West Virginia experienced miners card, a U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration electrical card and learn mechanical and electrical engineering fundamentals — all while working one day a week and every other Saturday at one of Murray Energy’s mines

Students will make $22 an hour while working on-site the first year.

Ryan Murray, vice president of operations for Murray Energy, said the program will benefit the company, which needs mine maintenance personnel, and the students.

“The program is a tremendous opportunity. Students earn money working, gain valuable experience and attend school at low cost thanks to financial assistance,” Murray said.

According to Murray, with $1,800 in tuition assistance from Murray Energy, college financial aid and income from working underground, the program could cost most students as little as $400 a year.

Michael Waide, Pierpont Community & Technical College vice president of student affairs, said the program will have a “tremendous impact on the community” and produce more skilled and trained West Virginians who can contribute to the economy.

”West Virginia has roughly a 50 percent college-going rate,” Waide said. “This program can improve their situation in life and raise them to a greater economic status.”

Waide also said the hands-on training should increase the retention rate of future workers.

Nathan Rakestraw, coordinator for Pierpont’s mine maintenance technology program, also highlighted the hands-on approach.

”Murray’s insight is cutting edge to supply their industry with a skilled workforce and have a hand in doing so,” Rakestraw said.

Spencer Long of Fairmont, a coal miner at the Enlow Fork Mine in Pennsylvania, is in the process of applying to the new program.

Long said he’s excited for the opportunity and hopes to eventually become a full-time employee of Murray Energy.

”You can’t just apply and get hired. It’s hard to get in without experience, and this program is a rare opportunity that gives you experience and a foot in the door with the company,” he said.

David Ellison of Fairmont said he sees the new program as an opportunity to take his future in another direction.

”I’ve been looking for something that I can strive forward with,” Ellison said. “This presents an opportunity to better myself and my family.”

The mine maintenance technology Associate Degree program is being offered at Pierpont and West Virginia Northern Community College.

To apply for the program, visit www.murrayenergycorp.com/careers/ or minemaintenance.com. 

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