When miners in the Appalachian Mountains started losing coal jobs, their career options were limited. Local businessmen Lynn and Rusty believed that “a coal miner is just a tech worker who gets dirty,” so they started Bit Source, a software development company with the goal of training former miners to code. Rusty’s cousin worked in tech, so he returned home to begin teaching them the basics.
As their capabilities grew, they used YouTube videos to learn new skills and programming languages. Today, Bit Source’s former miners are developing websites, web tools, and apps for clients across the country.
Grow with Google offers free tools, trainings, and events to help Americans grow their skills, careers, and businesses. Learn more at google.com/grow.
