Home » RJ Corman in Nicholasville creates new apprenticeship program

RJ Corman in Nicholasville creates new apprenticeship program

Railpower Project Review

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 6, 2017) – RJ Corman Railroad Group in Nicholasville today announced the creation of a new apprenticeship program.

This four-year Registered Apprenticeship focuses on developing skills as an electrician. Apprentices will receive 2,000 on-the-job and 144 classroom training hours per year and will earn a nationally recognized journeyman certificate upon completion of the program.

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

Since 1973, RJ Corman Railroad Group has served all seven North American major railroads, many regional and shortline railroads and dozens of industries utilizing rail. Services include owning and operating eleven shortlines, providing emergency rail services associated with derailments and natural disasters, switching, track construction, track material distribution, signal design/construction, building switching locomotives and operating a dinner train. RJ Corman employs over 300 people at its headquarters in Nicholasville.  

“As a family owned, Kentucky-based 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, RJ Corman Railroad Group. “We believe that by investing in people, we can contribute to the workforce development of our state.”

The ‘Kentucky Trained. Kentucky Built.’ initiative signals Kentucky’s recommitment of new energy and resources toward strengthening apprenticeships across Kentucky. Since November of last year, 1,000 new apprentices statewide have been registered, bringing the total number of registered apprentices to 3,157 in 206 programs throughout Kentucky.

State Sen. Tom Buford (Nicholasville) also offered praise.

“I would like to thank RJ Corman Railroad Group for beginning this new, innovative apprenticeship program that will certainly benefit our community and the company alike,” said Sen. Buford. “I look forward to seeing this hands-on program and its participants in action, and I wish the company the best in this new endeavor.”

For more information on Registered Apprenticeships, visit www.KentuckyApprenticeship.com