Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced on Thursday, Dec. 19, that Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus has earned a $2.75 million grant to expand and modernize its workforce training programs in the skilled trades sector.
The grant is part of the Arkansas Workforce Initiative HIRED (Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development) program. The grants are intended to provide funding for state and regional industry-driven partnerships and data-driven education and workforce training programs.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education and the HIRED grant program helps us meet Arkansas students, schools and businesses where they are,” said Sanders. “These grants will help build the workforce of the future and make Arkansas more competitive in industries such as steel manufacturing, aerospace and defense, lithium and cybersecurity.”
ATU-Ozark will utilize its $2.75 million grant to renovate and expand facilities and increase the quality and quantity of training opportunities in fields including, but not limited to, HVAC/refrigeration, welding, automotive technologies, automation, machining and advanced manufacturing.
Arkansas Division of Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Ken Warden and Arkansas Chief Workforce Officer Mike Rogers joined Sanders in announcing the grant and similar awards for 13 additional educational entities.
“ATU-Ozark is well-positioned and eager for growth and increased contribution to the stability of our workforce and economic prosperity,” said Dr. Sheila R. Jacobs, ATU-Ozark chancellor. “The HIRED grant promotes the collaborative work of the public and private sectors, and we are extremely grateful to our industry, education and community partners who have joined with us to build the skilled trades pipeline and strengthen the workforce in Arkansas.
“We are fortunate to have Governor Sanders and her team of hardworking leaders who are committed to investing in building a strong economy for all of Arkansas,” continued Jacobs. “I am also extremely grateful for the support and hard work of all our ATU-Ozark skilled trades instructors, and I want to give special thanks to Mr. Kenny Beeler, HVAC/refrigeration program chair. He made significant contributions to the grant process. It’s a good day at ATU-Ozark Campus.”
As a result of the HIRED grant funding, ATU-Ozark is planning a project that includes the renovation and expansion of a skilled trades workforce training center and supports program modernization and expansions across multiple skilled trades.
“This modernized training addition will facilitate customized, competency-based trainings, upskilling, reskilling and increased certification opportunities that will allow for rapid entry into the workforce, lower attrition rates and a more prosperous economy,” said Jacobs.
Learn more about ATU-Ozark Campus at www.atu.edu/ozark.
