PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A new workforce training program is giving Eastern Kentuckians an opportunity to prepare for careers in the growing nuclear energy industry.

Shaping Our Appalachian Region has partnered with Kentucky Community and Technical College System to launch a 16-week training program at six Ashland Community and Technical College, Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Hazard Community and Technical College, Maysville Community and Technical College, Somerset Community College, and Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.

The program includes technical instruction, hands-on laboratory training and career readiness courses to prepare participants for nuclear outage work.

Graduates will have opportunities to meet with employers and pursue jobs with industry partners including Westinghouse, Framatome and WECTEC Staffing Services.

Organizers say the program is intended to help Eastern Kentuckians build high-paying careers while remaining in the region.