Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation (DCMWC)
The following information has been extracted in whole or condensed from publications distributed by DOL's Employment and Training Administration (ETA). We are providing this important information on government programs and resources available to coal miners and families in the areas described below.
Changes in the US power sector, while producing cleaner air and healthier communities, are having an adverse effect on coal miners and their communities who have long relied on the coal industry as a source of good jobs and economic prosperity. The mining communities of Appalachia have been particularly hard-hit. In response to the loss of jobs and negative impact on these mining communities, President Obama introduced the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER+ Plan) to help the communities and individuals affected diversify their economies and create jobs and workforce services and skills training.
The POWER National Dislocated Worker Grant (POWER DWG) addresses needs in Ohio and Kentucky, while a National Emergency Grant (NEG) addresses needs in West Virginia. These initiatives provide an opportunity for District Office staff to assist affected claimants by referring them to resources that may be available in their areas. Please note that there may be eligibility requirements as well as participant caps on the grants in the three states, so having lost a job in the coal industry does not guarantee eligibility for the POWER or NEG programs. However, anyone who is interested in learning more or investigating their eligibility should contact the project operator in their state. Information on available resources in these areas, as well as contact information, is provided below.
Ohio POWER Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) – Southeastern Ohio
The Ohio POWER DWG aims to deliver training, work-based learning and supportive services to dislocated coal miners and other dislocated workers impacted by mass layoffs in the coal industry, to retrain in the growing oil and gas industry in Ohio. Industries of focus for training include CDL, Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Operators, Welding, Crane Operators, Waste & Wastewater Operators, and related safety training. Affected miners interested in these training opportunities should contact:
Project Operator: Jefferson County Community Action Council
Address: 114 N. Fourth Street, Steubenville, OH
Phone: 740-282-0971
Web: http://www.jeffersoncountycac.com/
Kentucky POWER Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) – Eastern Kentucky
The Kentucky POWER DWG is geared toward delivering training, work-based learning and supportive services to dislocated coal miners and other dislocated workers impacted by mass layoffs in the coal industry, to retrain for high-demand, high-wage positions and two occupations: Broadband technicians and Fiber installation in support of Kentucky's comprehensive broadband expansion effort, and a variety of IT positions to support regional business growth and expansion in sectors targeted for support an expansion. These IT positions include healthcare, agriculture, tourism and IT businesses to help them implement e-commerce and digitize the work in these sectors. Affected miners interested in these training opportunities should contact:
Project Operator: Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP)
Address: 412 Roy Campbell Drive, Suite 100, Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: 606-436-5751
Web: http://www.ekcep.org/
West Virginia Coal National Emergency Grant (NEG) – Statewide
This program provides retraining and reemployment services to dislocated coal miners and displaced homemakers impacted by mass layoffs and coal mine closures. The grant will help participants find new career paths outside the coal mining industry and long-term reemployment opportunities. Affected miners/claimants interested in these training opportunities should contact:
Project Operator: United Mine Workers Career Center
Address: 2306 S. Fayette, Beckley, WV
Phone: 304-253-3772
Web: http://www.wvcommerce.org/App_Media/assets/doc/businessandworkforce/workforcewv/
Miner_Training_Grant_QA_Final_9_24_12.pdf