National Park College (NPC), Airtech Supply (Airtech), Inc. and Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions Group (AMS) received a “grow-your-own” grant from the Arkansas Department of Career Education’s Office of Skills Development (OSD) to offer a LEAN Transformation series of trainings for employees. The grant is the first of its kind to be awarded since the OSD was created.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – The National Park College (NPC) Community and Corporate Training Division offered its first Active Shooter Training class in October. More than 35 employees from Baxley/LogPro participated in the training. Workforce Specialist Barry Ballard said the training is in high demand and has been crafted by an expert in the field. Travis K. Sorrows, President and co-founder of Corporate Resilience Solutions (CRS) facilitated the course. He is retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after 25 years as a Special Agent in various cities across the country. Sorrows served as one of the FBI’s experts in crisis intervention and personnel risk management, providing services at critical incidents such as the Columbine school massacre and the Pentagon after September 11, 2001. “There isn’t a better expert around,” Ballard said.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) partnered with BDI DataLynk in the spring to offer industry recognized, Fiber Optic Association (FOA) sanctioned, fiber optics networking courses. Fiber optics networking is a highly technical, hands-on field that is forecasted to experience high growth through 2022. Employment opportunities could include jobs in the cable, satellite television, or phone industries. The second series of courses will begin November 14, and can be completed in one week. Industry certifications are awarded with the completion of each course. Instructor, Bob Ballard is a Vietnam veteran and a FOA certified master instructor.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) Community and Corporate Training Division is partnering with The Hotel Hot Springs to offer employee training in customer service, ethics and leadership. Since its grand opening in April 2016, NPC has hosted six separate classes for The Hotel Hot Springs. The staff completed a Leadership Series which included a Stepping Up to Supervisor class for new leaders, a team building workshop, and a time management class to help spur productivity. They also completed classes in successful negotiations and CPR certification. Workforce Specialist, Barry Ballard said, ““We are very excited to be a training partner with the new Hotel Hot Springs and provide leadership and hospitality professional development. It is clear they are working very hard to move to the next level and want to provide their staff with the tools to reach that goal.”
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) hosted a Young Manufacturers Academy (YMA) last week. This was the second annual event for YMA which included 25 students in sixth through eighth grade. The weeklong academy was full of activities that introduced students to numerous career opportunities in the field of manufacturing. Highlights of the week will included a robotics activity at the Mid-America Science Museum, a Lean Manufacturing Event hosted by the Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions Group, a visit from the Be Pro Be Proud mobile unit, industry tours to Alliance Rubber and AirTech Supply, and a field trip to the Arkansas School for Math, Sciences and the Arts (ASMSA). Student teams presented about their experiences to their families and friends Friday.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College will host a Young Manufacturers Academy (YMA) August 1-5. This is the second annual event for YMA which will include 25 students in sixth through eighth grade. The weeklong academy is full of activities that introduce students to numerous career opportunities in the field of manufacturing. Highlights of the week will include a robotics activity at the Mid-America Science Museum, a Lean Manufacturing Event hosted by the Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions Group, a visit from the Be Pro Be Proud mobile unit, industry tours to Alliance Rubber and AirTech Supply, and a field trip to the Arkansas School for Math, Sciences and the Arts (ASMSA). Student teams will deliver presentations about the week to their families and friends Friday, August 5 at 2 p.m. A complete schedule is attached.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) Pharmacy Technician Program hosted a recognition ceremony July 12 for its first class of graduates. Nineteen students began the program March 29 and will be recognized for completion of their 80-hour classroom training for pharmacy technician. Graduates include, Collene Atchley, Lauren Black, Kevin Bunch, Jean Carpenter, Jennifer Diaz, Richard Dunlap, Brandie Elledge, Katelyn Hunter, Jane Kowalkowski, Amanda Long, Amber Merritt, Briana Sport, Lorra Stinson, Melissa Stone, Dustin Tart, Jayme Vaughn, Melanie Wilder, Patricia Wright, and Jonathan Wykoff.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) Pharmacy Technician Program will host a recognition ceremony July 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Southside Student Center. Nineteen students began the program March 29 and will be recognized for completion of their 80-hour classroom training for pharmacy technician. Graduates include, Collene Atchley, Lauren Black, Kevin Bunch, Jean Carpenter, Jennifer Diaz, Richard Dunlap, Brandie Elledge, Katelyn Hunter, Jane Kowalkowski, Amanda Long, Amber Merritt, Briana Sport, Lorra Stinson, Melissa Stone, Dustin Tart, Jayme Vaughn, Melanie Wilder, Patricia Wright, and Jonathan Wykoff.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 24. Items for report included a new degree program, enrollment updates, and an overview of ongoing transfer initiatives. The February Student of the Month was introduced by Practical Nursing (PN) Program Director, Tamara Abernathy. PN student, Laikin Davis graduated from Benton High School in 2011. Laikin is the first in her family to graduate from college. She entered the Practical Nursing Program in July 2015 and is a candidate for May graduation with her Certificate in Practical Nursing. She is enrolled in 17 credit hours and maintains an overall GPA of 3.6 while working 27 hours a week. Laikin lives in Arkadelphia, drives 76 miles a day and has not missed one day of class. She hopes to work as an LPN and wants to work with children. She plans to apply for the LPN to RN track to complete her Associate of Science in Nursing degree.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – The National Park College (NPC) Industrial Technology Program hosted an open house this week in the new Industrial Technology Lab. The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Ambassador’s Club performed a ribbon cutting that followed remarks from program director William Polk, associate vice president for technical education, David Hughes, NPC President, Dr. John Hogan, and representatives from Berry Plastics. Using a federal Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College Career Training ( TAACCCT ) grant, the College created the Industrial Technology program, which is specifically tailored to help close the skills gaps of local manufacturing employers. NPC collaborated with Berry Plastics, industry and grant partner, to create scheduling and sequencing to accommodate employees’ work schedules and provide targeted services to ensure success. Chuck Overton, Berry Plastics Director of Maintenance Operations discussed the impact the program has made including a measurable employee difference.
