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UA - Pulaski Tech and Arkansas National Guard announce new partnerships in aviation technology and cybersecurity

University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College and Arkansas National Guard announced innovative new partnerships in aviation technology training and internships in cybersecurity at a press conference Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022 at the UA – Pulaski Tech Aerospace Technology Center in North Little Rock, Ark.

The event highlighted the college’s collaborative training partnership with the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing, which provides internships in cybersecurity and training in aviation mechanics technology. A partnership between the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing and UA-PTC began in 2019 thru the Honorary Commanders (HC) Program. The program teams Little Rock Air Force Base leadership with community partners to educate them about the Air Force and its mission while enhancing the Guard’s integration with the community. As providers of premier C-130 and cybersecurity training to the total force, the Arkansas Air National Guard’s educational goals and strategies paired well with those of UA – Pulaski Tech.

The partnership grew as UA-PTC Chancellor Ellibee and 189th Airlift Wing initiated an educational partnership which enabled Guardsmen to accomplish their educational goals, become more proficient in their career fields, and to broaden their knowledge in cybersecurity.

The cybersecurity internship gives participants direct engagement with the nation’s best cybersecurity analysists as they engage with current cybersecurity problems and issues with the goal of gaining success in the job market.

“A cybersecurity internship helps students set themselves apart in the job market,” said UA-PTC Business and Information Technology Instructor April Hearne. “They gain hands-on experiences in real world situations. There is no better place for our students to get that experience than Little Rock Air Force Base.”

The Aviation Technology aspect of the partnership builds on long-term relationships between the Arkansas Air National Guard and the UA-PTC Aerospace Technology Center. Aviation maintenance training at the UA – Pulaski Tech Aerospace Technology Center is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills the Arkansas Air National Guard Airmen already possess to meet civilian certification requirements. In the military, personnel are given detailed, in-depth training about the specific systems for which they are responsible, making them experts in those areas. The UA-PTC partnership will extend their knowledge and experience over a broader range of aircraft structures and systems, making them more well-rounded personnel. This will enhance their ability to secure employment in the private sector if they wish to do so. These programs help advance careers and foster productive relationships between military and civilian communities.

“As our activities have gained momentum, we have developed a wonderful partnership. The Little Rock Air Force Base is vital to the economic health of this region as well as to our national security,” said Chancellor Ellibee. “These partnerships integrate the college’s mission of supporting employment opportunity and economic growth as we work with the women and men in uniform who keep us safe.”

Col Martin added, “It is an honor to be able to advance our goals together. It ensures that the Guard is Always Ready and Always There.”

State and local governmental leadership as well as leaders and officers from the Arkansas Air National Guard and UA – Pulaski Tech attended to witness how these initiatives play a role in keeping our communities strong and safe.

You can view the press conference in its entirety here: youtu.be/hsc8CxsQBWM