April 11, 2017

BERRY PLASTICS EMPLOYEES EARN NCCER CERTIFICATIONS

Hot Springs, Arkansas – The first cohort of students in the Industrial Technology program at National Park College (NPC) earned National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certifications in both Construction Site Safety and Introductory Craft Skills.

Ten students participated in this year’s program and nine of the students are employees of Berry Plastics. Students will be awarded the Technical Certificate in Industrial Technology during the May graduation ceremony. Many of the students are already working to pursue an associate degree.

The industrial technology program hosted a celebration ceremony Tuesday evening. In attendance were graduates' families, fellow students and instructors, and members of the Berry Plastics management team. In addition to refreshments and tours of the updated Industrial Technology laboratory, guests were shown demonstrations of students' work with mechanical systems, hydraulic fluid power equipment, and programmable logic controllers.

Speakers included Robert Bridewell, Plant Manager for Berry Plastics, Hot Springs; David Hughes, Dean of Business, Technical & Early College Programs; and Bill Freuck, Industrial Technology Instructor.Group of Industrial Technology students listening listening to Robert Bridewell, the plant manager at 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.

Bridewell said, "It has been our pleasure to partner with NPC on the continued education of our employees. This endeavor will strengthen our business in the manufacturing sector and communities in which we serve. I am very proud of our employees."

The Industrial Technology program provides the basis for a career in many fields including Fluid Power Mechanic, Controls and Automation, Technician, Multi-Craft Technician, Millwright, Sensors and Instrumentation Technician, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic and Mechatronics Technician, among others. It prepares students with the skills necessary for a variety of jobs in modern manufacturing facilities. The program provides entry level knowledge and skills to set up, operate, maintain and repair the machines and control systems that power industry.

The 28 credit hour program of study leads to a Technical Certificate in Industrial Technology and can be completed in as little as six months. All credit hours apply toward the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in General Technology. Core technical subjects include blueprint reading, mechanical systems, fluid power, electricity, motor controls and programmable logic controllers.

Group of 8 industrial technology students standing for a posing for a photo.

Group Photo: Pictured left to right: Angelia Taylor, Michael Bennett, Royce Henthorn. James Gist II, Dan Martin, Jeremiah Davies, Araceli Barajas, and Lonzo Ford. Not pictured, Randall King and Jon Altimus.

Berry1 Photo: Robert Bridewell, Plant Manager at Berry Plastics visits with students and guests during the Industrial Technology celebration Tuesday evening at National Park College.