West Kentucky Community & Technical College now offers courses in its Chemical Operator Certificate Program in Calvert City.

Tammy Owen, director of WKCTC’s Accessible College Education program, said the chemical operator certificate program is being offered in a hybrid format, with half of the classes offered in Calvert City and half being offered in Paducah at WKCTC.

“With gas prices rising, the college decided to offer this program in a hybrid format to allow people living in the Calvert City area an opportunity to complete one half of the courses close to home,” Owen said.

The classes will be held in City Hall at Calvert City. Owen will be at city hall from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 21 to discuss how individuals may enroll in the new local offerings. The first classes begin August 18.

The Chemical Operator Certificate program was implemented in the fall of 2007 at WKCTC after working collaboratively with several local plants in the western Kentucky area. “Our college communicates regularly with industry in the area. And one key area of concern for local plants is the number of employees who will be eligible for retirement in the next 5 years,” Owen said. “The curriculum developed will prepare students for an entry level chemical operator position.”

The curriculum includes such classes as chemistry, physics, industrial mechanics, and industrial safety. The 30-credit hour program is offered in an accelerated format, with students attending class one or two nights per week and using the Internet.

The Accessible College Education program at WKCTC includes accelerated courses, weekend courses, online courses, and a JumpStart program that helps individuals translate their prior work or life experience into college credit.

For more information about the chemical operator certificate program or Accessible College Education, contact Owen at (270) 534-3476 or visit http://www.westkentucky.kctcs.edu/accessible/