With ARC support, Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) Electrical Lineman & Fiber Optics Training Project purchased critical equipment for a training program to help former miners, veterans, and others prepare for in-demand jobs like fiber optic technicians and linemen.

The equipment for the training program included utility trucks, fiber optic equipment, fiber optic supplies and workers tools.

By offering this training in-house, the HCTC expanded their program to allow for additional students and at a lower cost per student. The program is currently running at full capacity with 118 students applying for 30 slots in the next available class. The program has experienced a 90 percent placement rate with jobs starting around $40,000 per year.