ASU-Newport Receives $200,000 Department of Energy ITAC Planning Grant for Workforce Training
08/05/2024
NEWPORT, Ark. — Arkansas State University-Newport has been selected to receive a $200,000 award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITAC) program.
Funding will support development of an Industrial Controls Technician Registered Apprenticeship and an Industrial Maintenance apprenticeship readiness program at ASUN to enhance technical education and economic prosperity in Northeast Arkansas 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.
"This grant represents a significant step forward for ASUN and our community," said Dr. Typhanie Myers, provost and vice chancellor for academic and student affairs. "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, promote clean energy jobs that do not necessarily require a four-year degree and bolster workforce training opportunities.
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 for quality careers in emerging sectors like advanced manufacturing and clean energy.
