A Real Jobs RI grant, procured by the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce and administered through their offshore wind career program, WindWinRI, has enabled a Bristol company to be on the forefront of training workers for jobs that will take them to great heights — literally.

KONG, USA, located on Ballou Boulevard in Bristol, is the American affiliate of an established Italian company specializing in the manufacturing of climbing, safety and rescue equipment. The grant will provide four cohorts, each offering eight spots, for those 18 or older interested in the opportunity to obtain entry-level SPRAT (Society of Profession Rope Access Technicians) certification at their facility. That training will then open up job opportunities in a variety of fields, including the burgeoning onshore and offshore wind energy industry, which require rope access technicians to maintain and fix the windmill turbines and blades.

The training is free and certification lasts for three years. Enrollment began on Sept. 15 and the first class will begin in October, with more classes rolling out afterwards.

“It’s really more about getting a local workforce ready so that when this industry becomes a thing, which all signs point to sooner than later, that these types of jobs don’t go overseas or out of state,” said Nate Bergenholtz, solar, wind, and marine sales manager for KONG USA. “The training will also provide additional skills that can possibly create more revenue for people and their families, and that also helps the state.”

The ropes course will be instructed by Trask Bradbury, a climbing expert and teacher with 20 years experience who has his own television show on the Science Channel, “End of the Rope”, which chronicles jobs around the world that require getting into some pretty high, dangerous places to accomplish.

Those interested in taking the course must adhere to the following criteria:

• Must be a Rhode Island resident
• Must be 18 years or older and interested in or already working in a job that requires working at heights
• Must be in good physical condition
• Must be willing to commit to a week of full-day classes (Monday through Friday). An exam will be administered on the final day

For those looking to apply for the training, contact Info@NorthKingstown.com.