SPRINGDALE — The Northwest Technical Institute Education Foundation received a $4 million training grant from the state, according to a news release Thursday from the office of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The Northwest Technical Institute money was part of a total of $48 million in training grants awarded to organizations in the state, according to the release.
The money was awarded to support workforce development efforts aligned with the Arkansas Workforce Strategy and as part of the Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) program, the release states. The program was established by the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015.
“The best thing about the HIRED program is that it’s a collaboration of the public and private sector working in tandem to build a workforce to support Arkansas’ fastest-growing industries,” Sanders said in the release. “The $48 million we’re announcing through the HIRED grant program will help provide a solution to Arkansas’ business leaders who are seeking more qualified, skilled, hardworking employees to grow their companies.”
In total, $88 million is available through the program’s two tracks, which are separately administered by the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, according to the release.
Northwest Technical Institute offers several diploma programs in areas such as automotive technology, electronics and automation, welding, surgical technology and ammonia refrigeration. The Springdale school reported an enrollment this year of about 1,000 adult students and 700 high school students.
Nineteen state organizations were awarded grants Thursday in the track two portion of the HIRED grants program, administered by the Arkansas Department of Commerce and Arkansas Workforce Connections, according to the release.
“Apprenticeships, trade schools and the college system are vital in building Arkansas’ workforce,” Mike Rogers, chief workforce officer for the state, said in the release. “This round of investments is intended to target competencies that key industry sectors have asked for. We’re relying on companies to guide and validate that they are able to hire skilled workers. “
The grants are intended to fund state and regional industry-driven partnerships and data-driven education and workforce training programs, the release states. Funding came from the Arkansas Workforce Initiative grant funding and American Rescue Plan Act funds, according to the release.