The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Office of Mines & Minerals, mining staffer Man-Tra-Con and active coal educators Rend Lake College and University of Illinois Extension have organized “Coal Mining Careers: A First Step” for April 23 at 1pm local time.

The event, which will take place at the University of Illinois Extension in Benton, is focused on the region’s workers who are unemployed, seeking a job with better pay and opportunities, and whom have an interest in coal mining as a career but were unsure about how to begin the process.

Local educational institutions and coal companies will be on hand to talk about mining careers with guests.

Topics of discussion include training and certification, including the time and training needed to get the background required to be a miner, as well as the application process and information required to be considered for a mining job.

The free informational meeting will also show attendees what it is like to work underground, detail who is best suited for coal mining work, and offer job seeker assistance.