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UA-PTC Advanced Manufacturing Program earns national accreditation

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology program at UA - Pulaski Technical College has officially earned accreditation from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). The accreditation is effective from May 29, 2025, through May 28, 2030, signifying the program meets rigorous national quality standards set by the precision manufacturing industry.

The NIMS accreditation is the result of a thorough examination of the program's curriculum and facilities. It validates that the Advanced Manufacturing Technology program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in automated manufacturing systems technology.

"This national, industry-driven benchmark results from a rigorous examination determining that your program meets the quality standards of NIMS on behalf of the nation’s precision manufacturing-driven industry," said Janet Paris, Program Specialist at NIMS, in a statement to UA - Pulaski Tech.

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology program addresses current trends in business and industry toward high-tech control systems and automated machinery. Graduates are prepared for opportunities in manufacturing fields, such as automation technicians, CNC operators, machinists, manufacturing technicians, manufacturing equipment repair, metal finishers, quality inspectors, and robotics operators.

"Earning NIMS accreditation for our Advanced Manufacturing Technology program is a testament to UA - Pulaski Tech's sustained commitment to equipping our students with the skills needed by employers in Arkansas," said Dr. Summer DeProw, Chancellor of UA - Pulaski Technical College. "As industries increasingly rely on automation and high-tech systems, the demand for a highly skilled workforce in Arkansas continues to grow. This program directly addresses those workforce shortages, ensuring our graduates have the relevant skills to be job-ready."

The program combines courses in automation and industrial systems with general education courses to provide students with a strong technical foundation, as well as essential skills in communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Classroom theory is enhanced with practical application in state-of-the-art laboratories.

As an accredited program, UA - Pulaski Tech's Advanced Manufacturing Technology students will receive discounted test fees for NIMS national skills credentials, and instructors can earn NIMS credentials for free. The program will also be featured on the NIMS Network Map, accessible via nims-skills.org.