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DOL > Bureau of Mines > Vincennes University Training Program Vincennes University Training Program

Vincennes University offers the following training to the mining community:

  • New miner training for surface and underground coal miners and metal/nonmetal miners
  • Annual refresher for surface and underground coal miners and metal/nonmetal miners
  • First Aid and CPR training
  • Electrical training for those seeking certification as an MSHA-approved electrician
  • Train-the-trainer workshop for those seeking certification as an MSHA-certified instructor

In addition, the Mining Technology 2-year AAS degree program is designed for students interested in a career in the mining industry with the intention of pursuing supervisory and management roles.  The curriculum includes:

  • Electronics
  • Mechanical Drives
  • Hydraulics and Pneumatics
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
  • Human Resource Management
  • Mining Practices
  • Mining Law and Regulations
  • Mining Health and Safety
  • Mine Atmosphere and Environment
  • Material Handling & Processes
  • Surveying Principles

For more information on the Vincennes University Mining Technology program, please click here.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) established a new competitive grant to provide funding for education and training programs to help identify, avoid, and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around underground coal mines.  Because funding is limited to $500,000, the purpose of the grant is to focus on training materials and training programs for mine rescue and mine emergency preparedness in underground mines. The Brookwood-Sago Grant are awarded in memory of the Brookwood Mine disaster in 2001 in Alabama and the Sago mine tragedy in West Virginia in 2006. 

The Indiana Bureau of Mines and Vincennes University jointly concluded that this grant could help facilitate extra training for the underground coal mines in Southwest Indiana.  A joint application was submitted for a grant so that it could be used to better educate Indiana's mine rescue teams and mine management in emergency training.  Indiana was one of seven recipients to receive a $50,000 grant, the proceeds of which are being used for Mine Emergency Response Drills, firefighting training, and Bio Marine breathing apparatus training.  This grant is helping to ensure that those who respond during any mine disaster will be ready when called upon.

Please select the following link to view the Vincennes University grant-supported training schedule. 

Additional information:

  • Indiana has about 300 mining operations that include coal, sand and gravel, crushed limestone, dimension stone, gypsum, clay, and shale.
  • In Fiscal Year 2007, approximately 6,300 miners and contractors were trained through the MSHA States Grants program at Vincennes University.
  • Instructors from Vincennes's Mining Program travel to virtually every Indiana county every year to provide this training.