NEWPORT, AR — Arkansas State University Newport (ASUN) has been selected to receive a $200,000 award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the DOE’s Industrial Training and Assessment Centers(ITAC) program. This funding will support the development of an Industrial Controls Technician Registered Apprenticeship and an Industrial Maintenance apprenticeship readiness program, aimed at enhancing technical education and economic prosperity in the Northeast Arkansas Delta region.

The ITAC Planning Project at ASUN will create new pathways for incumbent workers at small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to gain valuable skills and improve their workplace efficiency and productivity. By collaborating with local manufacturers, the program will provide hands-on training that addresses the growing demand for skilled technicians in the clean energy and industrial sectors.

Dr. Typhanie Myers, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at ASUN, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: “This grant represents a significant step forward for ASUN and our community. It not only provides essential training opportunities for our local workforce but also supports the broader goal of enhancing industrial efficiency and sustainability. We’re excited to partner with local manufacturers and provide high-quality education that will help our region thrive in the evolving economic landscape.”

The ITAC program, managed by DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, aims to reduce barriers to decarbonization and promote clean energy jobs that do not necessarily require a four-year degree. The initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, which seeks to bolster workforce training opportunities and support union labor.

ASUN’s project is one of 21 selected projects across 20 states, supported by a total of $24 million in funding. These projects will help train over 4,000 students, apprentices, and incumbent manufacturing workers, preparing them for quality careers in emerging sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and more.

For more information, view the official press release at energy.gov:*

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