Framatome of Lynchburg, Virginia, has a growing need for workers to perform services for the nuclear power sector such as at its Pump and Motor Service Center in Lynchburg.
EASTERN KENTUCKY — Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), in partnership with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), has a new workforce training initiative designed to prepare Eastern Kentuckians for high-demand careers in the nuclear energy sector.
Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), SOAR and KCTCS will establish a regional training pathway delivered through Workforce Solutions divisions at six colleges:
- Ashland Community and Technical College
- Big Sandy Community and Technical College
- Hazard Community and Technical College
- Maysville Community and Technical College
- Somerset Community College
- Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
The program is supported by funding from the GitLab Foundation and the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority.
Building a path to a growing industry
This initiative focuses on preparing individuals for nuclear outage work, a specialized field that supports scheduled maintenance, upgrades, and refueling at nuclear power plants across the country.
Nuclear outage work is planned, routine, and highly structured, requiring skilled workers to complete critical projects safely and efficiently.
Industry-aligned training
Through KCTCS Workforce Solutions divisions, participants will complete a 16-week training program totaling 240 hours, designed to prepare them for high-demand industrial and energy roles.
The program requires 15 hours per week, delivered three days per week, five hours per day, allowing participants to build new skills while balancing other responsibilities.
Each day of training includes technical instruction, hands-on lab experience, career readiness and durable skills development.
Participants will gain skills in:
- OSHA-10 safety and workplace standards
- Measurement, precision tools, and blueprint reading
- Mechanical systems and fluid power
- Electrical fundamentals and industrial systems
- Automation, PLCs, and troubleshooting
This training is designed to mirror the core technical competencies required on nuclear outage job sites and prepare participants to transition into employer-led training programs.
Expanding opportunity without leaving home
SOAR has established partnerships with leading industry employers, including:
- Framatome
- System One
- Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
- WECTEC Staffing Services
Through these partnerships, more than 40 Eastern Kentuckians are currently working in nuclear outage roles across the country.
These opportunities offer:
- Competitive, often above-market wages
- Paid travel and per diem support
- Project-based work with time at home between assignments
“This is about creating a new pathway for Eastern Kentuckians,” said SOAR Chief Operations Officer, Dr. Josh Ball. “You don’t have to choose between staying here and building a career. This model allows you to do both.”
Upon completing the program, participants will be placed into SOAR’s Eastern Kentucky Talent Network, where they will receive:
- Priority access to hiring events
- Job opportunities through the EKY Job Board
- Ongoing support from client services and employer coordinators
This initiative builds on SOAR’s work to transition workers from industries such as coal into new, high-demand sectors by leveraging transferable skills and creating structured pathways to employment.
Learn more about SOAR by vising our website.