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UA-PTC earns place on “High Road to the Middle Class” national map

University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College was recently featured in a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) “High Road to the Middle Class” map that highlights training programs that advance workforce development.

UA – Pulaski Tech earned placement on the map as a result of registered apprenticeship programs in Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) and Machining/Computerized Numerical Control (CNC). The map is a tool that can be utilized by employers and potential apprentices alike.

When a person searches at https://blog.dol.gov/2023/07/13/introducing-the-high-road-to-the-middle-class-map, they can click on a location to learn about the program as well as a link to a Google page with additional information.

“Our apprenticeship programs are receiving great feedback from industry partners and apprentices. We are excited to continue to expand additional DOL approved registered programs, such as Collision Repair, coming soon, “said Dr. Angela Kremers, UA – Pulaski Tech Dean of Technical and Professional Studies. “And while the map rightly emphasizes two very important programs at the college, we have a long history of facilitating direct entry into the workforce in many other disciplines, such as aviation, automotive technologies, truck driving and diesel technology, welding, and many more.”

The High Road to the Middle Class map is designed to spotlight the “high road” programs that train America’s infrastructure, clean energy and manufacturing workforce. This map can serve as an important resource for employers; labor unions; Investing in America project owners and grantees; public workforce system stakeholders; job seekers; and state, local, tribal, and federal government partners to help them meet their workforce needs and develop new equitable pathways to quality jobs.

“UA-Pulaski Technical College is the University of Arkansas System’s largest two-year institution serving a major population hub of students and employers in central Arkansas,” Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, University of Arkansas System President stated. “Its prime position in the Capitol City metro area allows the institution to fill a critical need for the city, state and region by enhancing workforce initiatives through education. This recognition from the federal government is a testament to the institution’s commitment to its students and its important mission, as it signifies that it is doing so at the very highest levels. I congratulate the faculty and staff for this important achievement.”

“The U.S. Department of Labor shining this spotlight on the meaningful work being done at UA-PTC highlights the institution’s efforts to create, foster and leverage partnerships with employers and labor organizations to deliver extremely relevant and industry-driven training programs that meet the needs of its region,” added UA System Vice President for Planning and Development, Chris Thomason. “This is the mission of all of the UA System two-year institutions, and I’m proud that the meaningful work being done and the opportunities we’re able to provide for Arkansans is being recognized at the federal level.”