ACTC announces enrollment for nuclear energy workforce training program

Published on Aug 4, 2026

Ashland Community & Technical College (ACTC) is now accepting participants for a new workforce training program designed to prepare Eastern Kentuckians for high-demand careers in the nuclear energy industry.

Delivered through ACTC’s Workforce Solutions and supported through a partnership between the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), the program provides industry-focused, non-credit training that can lead to employment opportunities supporting nuclear power plants across the United States.

The initiative is funded through support from the GitLab Foundation and the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority and is being offered at six KCTCS colleges across Eastern Kentucky. The program is tuition-free for eligible students.

“This program provides our community with a pathway into a high-demand, high-wage industry, equipping them with the skills and connections needed for strong, sustainable careers,” said Dr. Larry Ferguson, ACTC Chancellor.

The 16-week training program, scheduled to begin September 15, includes 240 hours of instruction and hands-on learning designed to prepare participants for nuclear outage work, a specialized field that supports scheduled maintenance, upgrades, inspections, and refueling activities at nuclear power plants.

Participants will receive training in:
● OSHA-10 safety and workplace standards
● Blueprint reading and precision measurement
● Mechanical systems and fluid power
● Electrical fundamentals and industrial systems
● Automation and programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
● Industrial troubleshooting and problem-solving

The program requires approximately 15 hours per week and combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab experience, and career readiness training.

Through partnerships established by SOAR with employers including Framatome, System One, Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, and WECTEC Staffing Services, participants who complete the training program will have opportunities to connect with employers actively seeking skilled workers.

More than 30 Eastern Kentuckians are currently working in nuclear outage roles across the country through SOAR-supported workforce initiatives.

“This training creates a pathway to careers that offer strong wages, valuable technical experience, and the flexibility to remain rooted in Eastern Kentucky,” said Dr. Reed Adkins, Executive Director of SOAR. “We’re excited to partner with ACTC to help residents gain the skills needed to access these opportunities.”

Upon completion, participants will be connected to SOAR’s Eastern Kentucky Talent Network for continued employment support, hiring events, and employer introductions.

Enrollment is now open. Interested individuals should complete the online inquiry form to begin the registration process.

For more information, visit https://soar-ky.org/eastern-kentucky-talent-network/kctcs-energy To learn more about SOAR’s Eastern Kentucky Talent Network, visit https://soar-ky.org/eastern-kentucky-talent-network