The 11 counties included in this study are Athens, Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble and Washington. Though some may argue that other counties should have been included in this study, no one can dispute that the coal industry helped shape the cultural and economic fortunes of those counties selected for participation. From this combined data, the authors identified several industries that offer emerging employment opportunities for newly displaced workers. For much of the region, growth in at least four vocational categories over the next 1824 months is anticipated. The medical profession is a primary growth category and is on an upswing throughout the entire area.
Positions range from technicians and practical specialists to nurses and administrators.
Next, the emerging plastics industry is doing well in parts of the region. Laboratory technicians, computer operators, general laborers and quality control personnel are needed for these expansions. These occupations all represent potential jobs for displaced miners. Manufacturing and related distribution are also growth industries in this region. New application of advanced technology has resulted in the need for a higher level of technical personnel.