Recovering From Coal Mining Layoffs

The latest round of coal mining layoffs in Kanawha, Lincoln and Boone counties is reinforcing the harsh reality that when it comes to coal -- job security is low.

With 280 more coal mine workers to lose their jobs in October, Workforce West Virginia wants them to know that recovery is possible and help is available.

That  is why Workforce West Virginia accepted a $7.4 million grant to retrain laid-off miners and even their spouses.

Laid off coal workers and their spouses are eligible for up to $5,000 in training money, plus an additional $100/week training allowance.

It can take anywhere from a month to 18 months, depending on what field you're training for.

Some of those options include truck driving, electrical engineers, jobs in the medical field and more.

The program lasts through June of 2016. For more information about it, visit www.workforcewv.org/minelayoff