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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
RLC Unveils New Coalmine Training Center
Tuesday, officials opened the college's new coal mine training center.
While the sign outside announces an open house, officials here at Rend Lake College and across the area say, its more like opening doors for those who want to get introduced to- or back into- the coal mining industry.
"We're looking at getting already experienced miners to hone their skills, to get new miners to learn basic skills," explains RLC instructor David Colombo.
Right now, the 20,000 square foot facility is full of curious spectators and supporters. But, Colombo says, he can visualize the furnished facility: Students in the classrooms, navigating the mock mine and transformers, roof bolters and other heavy machinery that will soon fill the training area...
"As far as cutting coal- we don't have any coal to cut up here on the surface. But, I think it'll give the students a better idea when they're got their hands on the machine, of what its capable of doing."
The program will offer an associates degree, certifications and refresher courses. Which RLC President, Charles Holstein says, will make a the local workforce even stronger...
"The training that we're going to be able to provide here, the growth that we see in coalmining, they just tie together and we're gonna be able to provide that trained workforce."
Officials at RLC say their hands-on machinery should be rolling in within the next few weeks, just in time for the fall semester.
RLC also received more than $250,000 from the state to build a fire rescue facility.
By: Rachel Gartner
rgartner@wsiltv.com
Now: 1283451764
