Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus recently partnered with Butterball’s Ozark facility to deliver customized TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding training designed to strengthen workforce skills and support operational excellence within one of the Arkansas River Valley’s leading manufacturing employers.
The training was led by Lane Mathews, welding program chair at ATU-Ozark. It provided Butterball employees with hands-on instruction in TIG welding techniques, weld quality, safety practices, equipment operation and precision welding applications commonly used in industrial manufacturing environments. Participants gained valuable skills that can help improve product quality, increase efficiency and support maintenance and fabrication needs throughout the facility.
“Butterball’s Ozark facility is a major contributor to the regional economy and has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to investing in both its employees and its operations,” said Ryan Mikles, ATU-Ozark vice chancellor of business innovation and economic development. “As manufacturing technologies continue to evolve, employers increasingly rely on highly skilled welders and technicians to maintain productivity, quality, and workplace safety.”
Through the ATU-Ozark Division of Business and Industry, the campus works with employers to develop customized training solutions that address specific workforce challenges and support employee development. Programs can be tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses across manufacturing, health care, transportation, skilled trades, leadership development and other industry sectors.
“ATU-Ozark is proud to partner with industry leaders such as Butterball to provide customized workforce training that meets real-world business needs,” said Dr. Sheila R. Jacobs, ATU-Ozark chancellor. “When we help employees strengthen their technical skills, we are not only supporting individual career growth, but also contributing to the success and competitiveness of our regional industries.”
Organizations interested in customized workforce training opportunities through ATU-Ozark’s Division of Business and Industry may send e-mail to wmikles@atu.edu or call (479) 857-0854.
“Butterball’s commitment to investing in its employees is a great example of how workforce development creates value for both the individual and the organization,” said Mikles. “This training provided employees with an opportunity to develop advanced TIG welding skills under the instruction of Lane Mathews, one of the River Valley’s most accomplished welding educators. By bringing together Butterball’s commitment to workforce excellence and ATU-Ozark’s technical training expertise, we are helping employees build skills that contribute to their professional growth while strengthening the manufacturing workforce that drives our regional economy.”
