Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus has expanded its workforce education offerings with four new micro-credentials designed to address regional industry needs and help individuals strengthen their skills and advance their careers.
The new micro-credentials are qualified behavioral health provider, industrial maintenance-electrical, industrial maintenance-mechanical and essentials of supervision.
The programs were developed through a two-year partnership between ATU-Ozark Campus and Education Design Lab, a national non-profit organization that works with educational institutions and employers to design education and training opportunities aligned with the needs of today’s workforce.
“Micro-credentials are important to the future of our institution and our workforce,” said Dr. Sheila R. Jacobs, ATU-Ozark chancellor. “They allow us to respond quickly to the needs of employers while giving individuals accessible opportunities to gain relevant skills, strengthen their resumes and advance in the workplace. Our partnership with Education Design Lab helped us build a thoughtful process for developing credentials shaped by industry needs and focused on the people and communities we serve.”
The first of the four new programs to officially launch was the qualified behavioral health provider micro-credential on July 18. Its inaugural cohort completed training on Sept. 22 under the instruction of Dr. Jackie Scarborough.
The industrial maintenance-electrical micro-credential launched Sept. 1 under the instruction of Stacey McCollough. It is designed to develop electrical knowledge and competencies applicable to industrial and manufacturing environments.
The industrial maintenance-mechanical mirco-credential is scheduled and will provide targeted instruction in essential mechanical skills needed within industrial settings.
Together, the electrical and mechanical micro-credentials will help employees build specialized competencies that support the maintenance, reliability and productivity of industrial operations.
Lastly, the essentials of supervision micro-credential launched Sept. 15 in Russellville under the instruction of Mark Clarke. Clarke has more than 40 years of experience in advanced manufacturing and is the former plant manager of Rockline Industries in Russellville. The essentials of supervision credential emphasizes the practical supervisory knowledge and leadership skills needed in manufacturing plants.
“These inaugural micro-credentials give us an opportunity to listen, evaluate outcomes and continue strengthening our industry training programs,” said Ryan Mikles, ATU-Ozark vice chancellor for workforce and economic development. “We intend to learn from participants and industry partners, track how the training affects employment and career advancement and make improvements as workforce needs evolve. ATU-Ozark is committed to meeting the needs of our industry partners and building a stronger workforce.”
The development and implementation of the micro-credentials was made possible through collaboration among ATU-Ozark faculty and staff, Education Design Lab, subject-matter experts and regional industry partners.
“This achievement belongs to an entire team,” said Jacobs. “Creating and launching these programs required persistence, flexibility and a willingness to work across traditional boundaries. I am incredibly proud of co-leaders Erin Brickley and Brianna Ingram and the tenacity our faculty and staff demonstrated in bringing these opportunities to the people and communities we serve.”
For more information about micro-credentials and workforce training opportunities available through ATU-Ozark, visit www.atu.edu/ozark/microcredentials or contact Mikles at wmikles@atu.edu.
