Coal Miners

Because of the age limitation for coal miners, opportunities do not exist for most high school students to gain actual experience. If you are over the age of 18, you may be able to find summer work as a laborer in a coal mine, performing routine tasks that require no previous experience. Older students may also investigate the possibility of summer or part-time employment in metal mines, quarries, oil drilling operations, heavy construction, road building, or truck driving. While this work may not be directly related to your career goals, the aptitudes required for the jobs are similar to those needed in mining, and the experience may prove useful.

Participate in an information interview with a coal miner. He or she can provide you with a realistic picture of the pros and cons of working in the coal mining industry. Ask your shop teacher or career counselor for help setting up an interview.

Tour a coal mine. The National Mining Association offers a list of museums in the United States on its Web site, https://nma.org/about-nma/resources/mining-museums-and-tours.