From Monday through Thursday, Shaping Our Appalachian Region, or SOAR, is connecting local job seekers with long-term, high-paying jobs.
There are open positions for field service representatives and manufacturing technicians.
Jessica Berry is the program manager of the Eastern Kentucky Talent Network under SOAR. She said qualified candidates should fill out a form on the organization's website, and if they’re a good fit, they’ll be contacted quickly for an interview.
She added that pay ranges from $25 to $35 an hour.
"I think it's always a positive reinforcement," said Berry, "when we see employers, even outside of our region, noticing or taking note of the types of quality of candidates that we have here in eastern Kentucky."
Berry added that there are opportunities for residents in other industries as coal mining jobs continue to disappear.
Coal industry employment across the more than fifty counties of Eastern Kentucky has decreased by 46% since 2019, with another 51% decline projected by 2029.
The Eastern Kentucky Talent Network is a free membership program that connects Eastern Kentuckians with local career opportunities. Berry explained that members have access to hiring events, personalized coaching, and job listings.
She said the jobs Framatome is currently hiring for involve field service work.
"We're hosting in Hazard and in Corbin," said Berry, "and we're bringing in now three different branches of the company who are looking for candidates to go out on these outages."
No degree or prior nuclear experience is required. Individuals with skills in electrical work, welding, industrial maintenance, or advanced manufacturing are ideal fits, as are veterans, trade school graduates, and former miners.
