Plaski Technical College's Advanced Manufacturing Program received a $1,784,016 grant from the Arkansas Department of Commerce's Office of Skills Development to modernize the Advanced Manufacturing Program.
The Arkansas Department of Commerce's Office of Skills Development and the University of Arkansas Board of Regents, on behalf of UA-Pulaski Tech, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to fund upgrades to UA-Pulaski Tech's training facilities. The university's main campus is located in North Little Rock.
A 2022 review of the university's advanced manufacturing program included recommendations for reconfiguring CNC and machining. Upgrade educational facilities. Work closely with employer partners on implementation of upgrades.
Specifically, we combined the machining and CNC labs with some final work to complete in order to move and connect the remaining CNC machines. Advisory board meetings have been held each fall and spring to provide feedback that has contributed to changes in software, equipment, and curriculum. The building has also been painted and new exterior signage and lettering have been completed.
“UA-PTC is committed to meeting the continued demands of our employer partners and is poised for growth and modernization. Equipment and expansion of our advanced manufacturing program is urgently needed. Our industry partners are very satisfied with the quality of education and training our students are receiving, and this grant will go a long way in helping us meet these needs,” said Dr. Angela Kremers, Dean of the College of Technical Professions. said. “With the expansion and need for apprenticeship training, the infrastructure to properly train students with equipment relevant to industry unique to this region is critical.”
“UA-PTC is grateful for the generosity and support of the Arkansas Department of Commerce and Skills Development Office for our students’ learning,” said UA-PTC President Dr. Anna Hunt. “This generosity allows the university to achieve its mission of providing access to quality education and building a first-class advanced manufacturing workforce.”
OSD is a state agency authorized to award grants to public and private organizations for the development and implementation of workforce training programs.
UA-PTC is a public community college that provides educational programs, workforce training, and civic enrichment to residents and students of central Arkansas.
