New Certificate Program in General Industry Technology

In its efforts to prepare individuals for the local job market, Arkansas Northeastern College is proud to offer a new Certificate Program in General Industry Technology.  Requiring only 16 credit hours (five or six courses depending on the electives taken), the General Industry Technology Program offers interested individuals a quick option for preparing for the Mississippi County manufacturing workforce.

The General Industry Technology Certificate Programis eligible for federal financial aid. Additional funding opportunities are also available to students and can be explored with members of the ANC Financial Aid staff.

“This new certificate program in General Industry Technology will develop basic skills and knowledge that could be useful in applying for a position with an industrial employer,” said Gene Bennett, ANC Dean for Economic Development who added that holding such a credential could be beneficial for someone looking to get his or her foot in the door with local industry. “We have lots of job growth facing us here in Mississippi County. This certificate could be the ticket for someone wanting to get a job with one of our industrial employers.”

Given the prospect for industrial growth throughout Mississippi County, this new offering will help students, who complete the program, delineate themselves fromother applicants as they will be able to bring needed skills to the workforce. With courses such as Basic Electricity, Industrial Safety, and Introduction to Manufacturing, students will receive a general knowledge and preparation of different areas of a manufacturing plant.

“This program offers a wonderful opportunity to learn the employability skills needed to find work in our local job market and to do so in a relatively short amount of time,” said Bennett.

With courses for the program being offered both day and evening and in Blytheville and Osceola, students have flexibility in managing their schedules. Still, to ensure class availability and the opportunity for additional financial assistance, individuals are encouraged to enroll now.

Because the new program in General Industry Technology has been designated as Trimue Pathways Travel Stipend eligible, students living in Mississippi County may receive financial assistance with their travel expenses.  Gas vouchers will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to General Industry Technology studentsthrough the ACE Advising Center. Students enrolling in the program could receive a travel stipend (roughly equal to $40 every two weeks) if they meet regularly with an advisor and demonstrate satisfactory progress.

“The goal is to break down barriers for students and help promote intensive, one-on-one counseling to increasestudent success and to incentivize certificate programs with local job demand,” stated ANC President Dr. JamesShemwell.

“It’s just another way that ANC can help students while also training for our local workforce,” added Bennett.

Anyone interested in this program or other ANC offerings should contact the Admissions Office at 870-838-2948 to get started. Registration is currently ongoing for the fall semester, but once classes begin it will be too late to enroll.  

“Trimue Pathways Travel Stipends and course availability cannot be guaranteed, so interested individualsshould call as soon as possible,” said Bennett.