Industrial Technology Program to Roll Out
Posted on 01/01/2017
Jonesboro - Nine area school administrators and NEA industrial representatives joined Northeast Arkansas Career & Tech Center staff in the latest of several advisory committee meetings January 11th to discuss the upcoming Industrial Technology (IT) program of study.
The program is being created and designed to meet the maintenance needs of Northeast Arkansas industry. The initial advisory meeting was held September 15th, as industrial representatives met with NEACTC Director Eddie Crain and area superintendents to begin discussions for a new program of study. During the meeting, industrial representatives outlined initial criteria so that curriculum could be created to provide student skills to meet high-demand positions in industrial maintenance.
Initially, Frito-Lay North America Maintenance Manager Boyce Sherrill joined JPS representatives and NEACTC personnel to visit other similar programs of study. On trips to North Little Rock and Siloam Springs, members of the Industrial Technology Advisory Committee reviewed equipment, trainers, facilities, and met with officials at each school to discuss the process of custom-designing a program of study to meet local industry needs--rather than roll out a select set of curriculum standards designed by the state but not necessarily designed to meet localized industrial needs.
Crain told committee members that approval from the state department is expected "any day now." Attendees at the January meeting numbered 43 including ASUN representatives (NEACTC post-secondary partner) and equipment supplier Richard Carr of Sivad, Inc. Joel Sharp of Arkansas Glass Container Corporation provided the keynote message, noting how important the program could be not only for NEA industry, but vital for Jonesboro as well.
Prior to the advisory meeting, members toured local industries Nice-Pak and Camfil APC. HR Manager Bettina Rogers-Timmons of Nice-Pak, and Brian Richardson, Camfil Quality, Safety, and CI Manager, both IT advisory committee members, worked with Crain to set up tours for the committee.
Applications are also being accepted for the IT instructor position. Click the employment tab at the top of the screen to learn more or to apply.
Counselors and parents, we urge you to speak to your child today about this new program of study--enroll today or call 870-933-5891 for more information.