R. J. Corman partners with Kentucky to develop apprenticeship program

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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R. J. Corman Railroad Group

R. J. Corman Railroad Group has announced a partnership with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet to begin an apprenticeship program.  

 

The company said it plans to continue investing resources into people, and the program is intended to boost the recruitment and retention levels of new hires.

“As a family-owned, Kentucky-based business, we are pleased to work with the Department of Labor to continue to create opportunities for the citizens of the commonwealth,” said Ed Quinn, president and CEO of R. J. Corman Railroad Group. “We believe by investing in people, we can contribute to the workforce development of our state.”

The program will begin with the start of 2018 as R. J. Corman and the Labor Cabinet continue developing its curriculum. Recruiting efforts are set to include working with area high schools and U.S. military veterans.

After apprentices are selected, the company said they will work with a qualified journeyman to gain further knowledge of their craft.

Apprentices will receive their journeyman certificate after they complete the required four-year term. R. J. Corman Railroad Group currently employs a shop staff with industry knowledge in machining, welding and fabrication, the company said.

Another area with potential for the program is through the growing Signaling company, which designs, builds and installs various railroad industry signal systems.

The program is expected to continue to grow, eventually involving different companies and positions within the R. J. Corman brand as opportunities arise in the future.

“In Kentucky today, employers are facing a shortage of a skilled workforce,” said Kentucky Labor Secretary Derrick Ramsey. “Registered Apprenticeships are the answer to this problem and businesses like R. J. Corman are reinforcing their commitment to develop and retain more highly-skilled talent through these programs. I applaud R. J. Corman for taking steps to bring more opportunity to their region and I look forward to the success this apprenticeship will bring to Nicholasville.”

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