NWTI receives $4 million grant for workforce training

Northwest Technical Institute in Springdale recently received a $4 million state grant as part of the Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) program. Most of the grant money will support short-term training.

The Workforce Initiative Act of 2015 established the program. In total, $88 million is available through the HIRED program’s two tracks, administered by Arkansas Department of Commerce and Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

“The HIRED grant funding represents a significant milestone for Northwest Technical Institute, enabling us to expand training opportunities in advanced manufacturing,” said Melissa Greenslade, interim president of Northwest Technical Institute. “This funding will enhance programs in automation, industrial maintenance, and ammonia refrigeration by providing scholarships to students, hiring additional subject matter experts and acquiring advanced equipment for hands-on training.”

The grant comprises a partnership between industry leaders, Springdale Public Schools, NWTI and other stakeholders, Greenslade said. The goal is to increase workforce training opportunities and address high-demand industry needs. The effort will support high school students, adult learners and existing workers. It will also increase NWTI students, especially in short-term industry training programs.

Greenslade said most of the grant money will support the short-term training. Details, including scholarship numbers, class pricing, and new instructors to be hired, have yet to be determined. NWTI has one part-time and four full-time instructors in the program areas the grant will support. The equipment to be purchased includes a programmable logic controller, human-machine interface, variable frequency drive and robotics trainers.

NWTI also is completing a $7 million ammonia refrigeration building. The 19,000-square-foot building is expected to be completed in early 2025.