FAIRFIELD — Maine Quality Center provided a grant Kennebec Valley Community College and Northern Pride Communications used to developed an education and training program to prepare individuals for system installer positions with the Topsham-based telecommunications company. The telecommunications training begins Sept. 2.

This 258-hour program will be offered at no cost to qualified Maine residents, according to a KVCC press release.

The program will run from Sept. 2 to Oct. 15 with training taking place on weekdays primarily at KVCC’s Fairfield campus. Registration is underway with an Aug. 21 deadline. Registrants will be required to take an Accuplacer test on Aug. 25 and attend an orientation on Aug. 27.

To be eligible for the program, Maine residents must have earned a high school diploma or GED and have reliable transportation and time to attend all training. Applicants will be screened by KVCC for math and reading comprehension.

Applicants must be physically capable of standing for up to eight hours per day, lifting and carrying at least 80 pounds, and climbing heights in excess of 100 feet.

The training will include eight hours of CPR/First Aid training, 10 hours of Occupational Safety and Health Administration training, and 240 hours of tower technician training.

Those who successfully complete the training will be prepared to interview for system installer jobs with Northern Pride Communications. The company provides telecommunication services including site construction, maintenance and repair.