WORKFORCE EDUCATION

Original story from the Arkansas Business Land of Steel Growth Report: https://digital.abpg.com/land-of-steel-growth-report_2024/page/18-19

Arkansas Northeastern College has a compelling sales pitch for prospective students, especially those in Mississippi County: Attend the two-year college and pay less for an education than anywhere else in the state. Then, graduate and secure a job with a higher average starting salary than those attainable from any two- or four-year university in Arkansas, including medical schools.

With that sort of return on investment, it’s no wonder ANC is playing a pivotal role in shaping Mississippi County’s workforce. ANC staff have worked diligently to align training with the needs of the local workforce – a model of workforce development that has contributed to Mississippi County’s ability to attract $8 billion in capital investment over the last two decades.

“At Arkansas Northeastern College, we’re all about tapping into the local spirit and potential with most of our students coming from right here in Mississippi County and the Bootheel of Missouri,” ANC President Chris Heigle said. “We’re proud to be a part of this community and its growth. ANC offers you a chance to invest in your future without breaking the bank. We’re preparing folks for real jobs that pay real money right here in our own backyard, especially in booming sectors like steel and health care. Our commitment? To get you from the classroom to paycheck as smoothly as possible.”

For example, the Arkansas Steelmaking Bootcamp is one of the college’s most successful initiatives. With a $1.2 million investment from the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, the bootcamp aims to train more than 1,000 workers within its first year, providing entry-level skills needed for careers in steelmaking. Offered at no cost to participants, the two-week training program is available through partnerships with several colleges across the region, including Black River Technical College and Arkansas State University-Newport. This regional collaboration makes workforce training accessible to more Arkansans, meeting the needs of Mississippi County’s rapidly growing steel industry.

Significant industry investment bolsters the college’s efforts. Earlier this year, Zekelman Industries, the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America, pledged $120 million to expand its capabilities and product offerings in Mississippi County with the goal of increasing its local employees to more than 300. And one way they plan to meet that goal is by donating $250,000 to ANC for a new workforce training initiative.

“Education and skills training are crucial to developing the next generation of workers,” said Tom Muth, Zekelman’s chief operating officer. “Our goal at Zekelman is to prepare, nurture and inspire students entering the thriving and well-paying steel industry. Our commitment is representative of our partnership with the [Mississippi County] community and ongoing dedication to domestic-only manufacturing.”

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders noted the Zekelman-ANC partnership as a model for how public and private sectors can work together for economic growth.

“Northeast Arkansas is powering a manufacturing boom in the Natural State and quickly becoming one of the top steel-producing regions in America,” Sanders said in April 2024. “I’m grateful that Zekelman Industries is not only expanding its footprint in this region but also investing in career and technical education. This type of public-private partnership is exactly what we need to train the next generation of steelworkers.”

Steel has been a focal point of training, but the school has successfully created additional educational programs to meet the demands of the local economy. Nursing, aviation and technical trades like HVAC and construction have been recent areas of emphasis.

Mississippi County, already the largest steel-producing county in the U.S., is now poised for growth in renewable energy, aerospace and distribution. It’s become increasingly attractive to companies because of the county’s strategic access to the Mississippi River, railways and interstate transportation routes, as well as its highly motivated local workforce.

“Arkansas Northeastern College is integral to the continued growth of our region,” Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson said. “The work they are doing, especially in partnership with our local industries, means we have a skilled workforce and that we are preparing our community for the future. As companies continue to expand and invest here, they know we have the infrastructure and educational resources to meet their needs.”

ANC’s impact on the region extends beyond its Blytheville campus. A recent endowment to the ANC Foundation of 30 acres in Wilson, valued at $27 million, further demonstrates the trust and confidence the community has in the college’s mission. As ANC develops plans for utilizing this new resource, Heigle remains focused on the institution’s core goal: ensuring student success and community growth.

“Whether it’s updating our tech labs, expanding our campus facilities or enhancing our student services, this work ensures we’re not just keeping pace but setting the pace in community college education,” Heigle said. “Seeing opportunities to leverage grants and donations means we can make substantial impacts without relying solely on tuition and state funding.”

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