August 3, 2015
Northeast Texas Community College announced on Thursday an important expansion of its training opportunities at the Industrial Technology Training Center in Mount Pleasant.†Thanks to a partnership with the Mount Pleasant Economic Development Corporation and Workforce Solutions Northeast, NTCC will soon offer a certificate program in Computer Numerical Controls (CNC) Operator at the ITTC.
The CNC program will require 18 credit hours of study and will provide students with the knowledge necessary to begin work as an entry-level CNC Operator. This skill set, which involves operating and programming specialized machines that automate manufacturing, was identified as high demand by regional industry leaders.
"We must develop programs which help our existing industries grow and prosper and we must recruit new industry to the area," Charlie Smith, Executive Director of the MPEDC, said. "To do this, we must have a workforce which will meet the needs of tomorrow's manufacturer."
The ITTC, located off I-30 in Mount Pleasant, opened in 2011 as a partnership between NTCC, MPEDC and Mount Pleasant Independent School District. The mission of the facility is to provide specialized training that meets the demands of regional employers. Currently, Industrial Technology, Electrical Occupations and Computer Aided Drafting courses are being taught at the facility.
"As we all know, technology can change rapidly.†The ITTC is unique in that it was designed to react quickly to the ever-changing needs of the workforce. Programs like CNC Operator will allow us to not only train future employees, but it also gives us the equipment necessary to upgrade the skills of current employees," Dr. Kevin Rose, NTCC Associate Vice President of Workforce Development, said.
At this time, more than 200 students attend classes at the ITTC. To date, more than 40 students have graduated from the Industrial Technology program. Additionally, more than 40 Mount Pleasant High School students participate in dual credit classes in Industrial Technology and Electrical Trades at the facility.
"This is a great example of what happens when a community works together to make something happen. The ITTC was built as a collaboration and it continues to grow thanks to strategic partnerships," Rose said.
To learn more about the programs offered at the ITTC, contact Lynda Watson at 903-434-8145.
