Letcher County native Jonah Sturgill thrives in first-ever registered apprenticeship supported by EKCEP
A little more than a year has passed since Letcher County native Jonah Sturgill began a registered apprenticeship with Alpha Energy Solutions, where he is working on HVAC systems and effectively taking the first steps on his career path with support from Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program’s on-the-job training program.
Jonah Sturgill, of Letcher County, is more than halfway through a registered apprenticeship with Alpha Energy Solutions, supported by EKCEP.
Sturgill's apprenticeship was made possible through a partnership between EKCEP, Alpha, Local Union 248, and Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC). He started the apprenticeship in late 2023 when he began working part-time for Alpha while also enrolled in HCTC's HVAC program. EKCEP's funding is helping pay his wages at Alpha as part of an on-the-job training contract, marking the first time that EKCEP entered into a partnership for a registered apprenticeship.
Learning a trade through a hands-on apprenticeship can provide a unique advantage, Sturgill acknowledged, since he's not only learning in a classroom setting but also gaining invaluable practical experience on a job site, which is helping provide him with a comprehensive understanding of the trade.
"I've learned a lot more out in the field than I would have just sitting in a classroom for the entire week," Sturgill said.
EKCEP's support has been an important part of Sturgill's journey. To provide this support, EKCEP is working with LKLP Community Action, which they contract with to deliver services like the on-the-job training funds Sturgill is receiving, effectively enabling him to "get paid to learn a trade." This financial support eliminates a significant barrier to entry for many aspiring apprentices, allowing them to focus on their education and skill development.
This innovative approach to apprenticeship development addresses a critical need in the region for skilled labor while simultaneously providing promising career pathways for apprentices like Sturgill. They gain the knowledge, skills, and industry-recognized credentials necessary to excel in their chosen fields.
More than a year into the program, Sturgill is thriving. He is scheduled to complete his apprenticeship in fall 2025 and added that afterward, he hopes to continue his career with Alpha.
"I'm going to stay with Alpha as long as I can," he stated, noting his appreciation for the opportunity and the supportive work environment.
Sturgill said if he has one piece of advice for anyone with a similar opportunity, it would be to take that opportunity and run with it.
"I'd take it, because you get the experience, you get paid the whole time you're doing it," he said. "They can cover the cost of school and all that."
Sturgill's success story is a testament to the power of partnerships and innovation in workforce development. The collaborative efforts of EKCEP, Alpha Energy Solutions, HCTC, Local 248, and other stakeholders are utilizing a model of workforce development that not only benefits individual apprentices but also strengthens the regional economy by providing a pipeline of skilled workers.
If you’re interested in pursuing an apprenticeship or seeing what opportunities might be available, contact your local Kentucky Career Center. For locations in Eastern Kentucky, visit jobsight.org/locations.
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates a network of Kentucky Career Centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for jobseekers and employers all under one roof. Learn more about us at ekcep.org.
