BSCTC & APPALACHIAN TANK, A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP

Prestonsburg, Ky—Big Sandy Community & Technical College (BSCTC) partnered with Appalachian Tank in the fall of 2021 to train aluminum welding professionals. In April 2022, Appalachian Tank hired its first ten full-time manufacturing personnel. All ten were recruited and trained at the Mayo Campus of BSCTC in Paintsville.

The training program was uniquely and collaboratively developed in the Fall of 2021 and the initial practical training began in late November of that same year. Ten weeks later, ten individuals graduated as Appalachian Tank-qualified trained aluminum welders ready to apply their skills as petroleum tank assemblers and welders. 

As a result of creativity, talent and motivation, between Appalachian Tank, BSCTC and eager learning participants, a thriving operational training program leads directly to full-time employment with Appalachian Tank in Pikeville. The initial training session was the first of five ten-week sessions offering specialized welding training that will potentially lead to full-time employment. 

BSCTC Interim President Telly Sellars remarked, “Through our Workforce Solutions, BSCTC is dedicated to supplying customizable workforce training by operating at the speed of business. Our work with Appalachian Tank is proof that Eastern Kentucky is ready for new industry, and we are ensuring our workforce is relevant through training. There is great hope and resiliency in the people of our region.” 

Appalachian Tank and BSCTC are very excited with the initial results of the welding training and are very much looking forward to recruiting, training and hiring further talented individuals into long-term employment.   

For more information about this exciting program, please contact Rachelle Burchett, BSCTC Director of Workforce Development at 606-788-2863 or email Rachelle.Burchett@kctcs.edu 

 

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Big Sandy Community & Technical College (BSCTC) provides accessible quality educational opportunities for student success, promotes economic growth and enhances the quality of life of its constituents. As the region’s premier community and technical college, BSCTC is recognized as the first choice for higher education; academic achievement; cultural enrichment; student success; and community, workforce and economic development.  With campuses in Prestonsburg, Paintsville, Hager Hill and Pikeville, BSCTC offers 30 programs and more than 200 credentials. Visit www.bigsandy.kctcs.edu to learn more.