R.J. Corman has joined forces with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet and will offer apprenticeship programs  at the beginning of 2018.

The four-year apprenticeship program will focus on developing skills as an electrician by working with journeymen who will assist the apprentice in gaining knowledge and experience. Apprentices will receive 2,000 on-the-job and 144 classroom training hours per year. Upon completion, each apprentice will receive a nationally-recognized journeyman certificate.

R.J. Corman spokesman Todd Bivins said they expect this program will recruit, develop and retain new employees in Central Kentucky and across the Commonwealth.

“New apprentices will work alongside experienced journey-workers in R.J. Corman signaling, welding, machine and fabrication shops on our Nicholasville campus,” Bivins said. “R.J. Corman partnered with the labor cabinet a few months ago and continues to develop the program curriculum that includes on-the-job training and related technical instruction. We will begin receiving applications for the program at the beginning of 2018 and hiring immediately after.”

Company officials said the first areas of emphasis through the program will be in the experience of machining, welding and fabrication. Another area in the program with potential is the company’s growing signaling company which designs, builds and installs a variety of signal systems for the railroad industry.   

Employing more than 1,500 people in 22 states, the program is anticipated to grow and expand to different companies and positions within the R.J. Corman brand as opportunities arise in the future.

Labor Secretary Derrick Ramsey said he believes apprenticeships are the answer to the shortage of skilled workers throughout the state.

“Employers are facing a shortage of a skilled workforce,” Ramsey said. “Businesses like R.J. Corman are reinforcing their commitment to develop and retain more highly 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.”

Ramsey said the amount of success the apprentice program could bring to Jessamine County is endless. He said the program will allow high school students to fully understand the workplace and look at the opportunity at R.J. Corman as a possible career after high school.

This, Ramsey said, would allow R.J. Corman to retain young people in the county for years to come.   

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