National Park College (NPC) announced plans to expand the Marine Repair Technology and Industrial Technology programs to the National Park Technology Center (NPTC) for high school students. The announcement came Wednesday during the regular monthly board meeting.
The additions were recently approved by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development. Vice President for Workforce, Bill Allison said the goal is to offer one year certificates of proficiency that will lead to a two year technical certificate if completers continue their postsecondary studies at NPC.
The Marine Repair Technology program covers all facets of the marine repair industry including engine repair and service, fiberglass and off-season boat maintenance. Students are prepared for employment as entry-level repair technicians. Opportunities are available in the repair and service field with national and local dealerships, dealership management, marine sales or as an independent service provider.
The Marine Technology program is the only one of its kind in the state of Arkansas and only one of a handful in the country. This program includes courses such as electrical systems, service and routine maintenance, and marine repair internship to name a few. Allison reported there are 183 marine repair jobs within our five county area, 491% above the national average.
The Industrial Technology program provides students with the skills necessary for a variety of jobs in modern manufacturing facilities. The program helps them gain entry level knowledge and skills to set up, operate, maintain, and repair the machines and control systems that power industry. The program provides students with the skills, knowledge and experiences necessary to enter into occupations such as mechatronics technician, millwright, and industrial maintenance mechanic to name a few. Allison reported there are 915 industrial technology jobs within our five county area, just below the national average. Jobs in this industry are expected to grow by 5.5% over the next four years.
“We believe there is evidence that job opportunities will continue to grow in each of these industries and we are doing our part to provide qualified employees for our local workforce,” added Allison.
NPC President, Dr. John Hogan thanked Allison, his team, and the Academic Affairs team for working together to bring new opportunities to students. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our high school students in the region to gain workforce ready credentials while they earn their high school diploma. They will have an opportunity to graduate high school and be prepared to immediately go to work in a skilled trade. I am very proud of the effort to bring these opportunities to our students.”
