Coal mining jobs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and while it used to be a job only for the uneducated, you may now need at least a bachelor’s degree to work as a coal miner. You can still get a job in mining without a bachelor’s degree, but mining companies are increasingly looking for highly trained professionals who can operate complex machinery and conduct advanced research. Do some research into the typical responsibilities of a modern coal miner to see if you really want to be one.
Participating in a college degree program in engineering or a related field is the best way to become a coal miner. This will provide you with the most opportunities, and the jobs that you will be qualified for are likely to be higher-paying. Qualified applicants with experience or education in engineering, surveying, geology, or even mathematics or sciences are frequently needed in the coal mining industry. To get a sense of what positions are available and what qualifications you will need to become a coal miner, look at job descriptions for vacancies in the industry.
Many mining operations still require manual laborers, so even if you don’t have a college diploma, you can work as a coal miner. To get a job, you may or may not need a high school diploma, but you will need basic communication skills as well as basic math skills. You’ll also need to be in good physical shape because you’ll likely be doing a lot of heavy lifting and standing for long periods of time. If at all possible, get a post-secondary certificate or a commercial driver’s license to improve your chances of getting hired. You can improve your chances of becoming a coal miner by participating in confined space training, explosives training, or machine maintenance and repair training.
Because heavy machinery operation is one of the coal miner’s primary responsibilities, it’s a good idea to get some training or work experience with heavy machinery if at all possible. You can operate some haulers and other machines with a commercial driver’s license, though you may need additional endorsements or certifications. Obtaining first-aid and CPR certification may also help you land a job as a coal miner.