U.S. Department of Labor Awards $50 Million for Coal Miner Retraining in West Virginia and Kentucky

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Department of Labor (DOL) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced the award of $50 million in Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) grants, funding advanced technical retraining programs for 6,000 displaced energy workers across West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Southwest Virginia.

Providing High-Wage Career Transitions in Clean Manufacturing

The funding packages provide tuition-free vocational training, tool stipends, and wage subsidies at 12 community and technical colleges, training former underground coal miners and power plant mechanics as certified industrial automation robotics technicians, utility-scale solar electricians, and precision CNC machinists. Partnering with expanding clean technology and defense component manufacturing plants in Appalachia, the program guarantees job placement with starting wages exceeding $32 per hour.

Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su stated that the miners who powered America's industrial growth must never be left behind, affirming that federal retraining investments deliver dignified, high-paying manufacturing jobs in their home communities.

United Mine Workers of America and Community Colleges Praise

United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) commended the comprehensive healthcare transition stipends and paid training models.

Community college presidents highlighted the high graduation and local hiring placement rates in advanced manufacturing.

Training Intake Schedule

Vocational technical classes will commence at all 12 Appalachian community college campuses on October 15, 2026.