INA, Ill. (Feb. 25, 2016) - Build up your résumé at Rend Lake College this year in one of several degree or certificate programs. Local coal miners are invited to check out any of RLC’s many Applied Science and Technology programs to boost their skills to become more employable in the region.
Don McBride, RLC Mining Technology Associate Professor, explained many employers are now looking for individuals who can perform in a number of areas. RLC offers other degrees and certificates that can benefit local miners looking for a job or trying to be hired back.
“The key to getting hired, getting called back, and keeping a job is being able to do more,†said McBride. “The more you can do and the more valuable you are, the better. Rend Lake offers hydraulic machine operations, basic or advanced electrical, and many other options to help you utilize your time to make yourself more employable.â€
Starting this fall, classes for the new Mine Operations Certificate, which can be completed in one semester, will begin. This 17-credit hour program starts Monday, Aug. 15, on the Ina campus, pending Illinois Community College Board approval.
Locals interested in improving their skillset can also look into RLC’s Diesel Technology degree and certificate, Heavy Equipment Technology degree, Industrial Electronics and Maintenance Technology degree and certificates, and Welding Technology degree and certificates. Some of these degrees required two years of study, while others can be completed in as little as one semester.
RLC also offers Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) New Miner Training for surface and underground miners, Annual Refresher Training for surface and underground miners, and MSHA Illinois Electrical Safety Training throughout the year.
Scholarships, financial aid, and academic awards are available for Mining Technology students. For more information, contact the Mining Technology Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 2373 or mining_tech@rlc.edu.
