UACCB Opens State-of-the-Art Workforce Training Center

UACCB Opens State-of-the-Art Workforce Training Center

Community celebrates center as much-needed tool for regional workforce in Arkansas

BATESVILLE, Ark. (Sept. 22, 2021) — The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) celebrated the grand opening of its new Workforce Training Center yesterday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its annual community picnic on UACCB’s campus.

The Workforce Training Center was created in response to the need for technically skilled workers in the state. The state-of-the-art technical training facility mimics a workplace environment, while maintaining a flexible space conducive to teaching and learning. 

“The opening of the Workforce Training Center is a milestone moment in UACCB’s history,” said Zach Harber, UACCB director of career and technical education. “Our hope is that this center will be a marker for an increase in skilled education in the state. We visited similar training facilities around the country to understand what type of facility would provide the best access and training for the community and we are pleased with the outcome.”

In keeping with UACCB’s mission, the Workforce Development program partners with area business and industry members to help identify and meet their workforce training needs. Key industries that will benefit from the center regionally are advanced manufacturing, construction, HVAC, machining, industrial maintenance, industrial safety and welding trades.

“UACCB is committed to creating a skilled, educated workforce to support the industry needs of our community,” said Zach Perrine, UACCB interim chancellor and vice chancellor for student affairs. “There is a proven need for skilled workers across the state and that is precisely why this center is so vital both locally and statewide. We are proud to continue to bring high quality education to this region.”

While the center will benefit communities statewide, it will have a significant impact on the Independence County community through its partnership with community organizations and the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Partnerships such as these are a vital component to the center’s success.

“The future success of our community relies on our ability to create, sustain, and retain a viable workforce,” said Crystal Johnson, president and CEO of Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Workforce Training Center will support the needs of business and industry by developing the talent pipeline and creating a vibrant workforce to support our community for years to come. We are fortunate to have strong leadership at UACCB which resulted in the Workforce Training Center being located in our own backyard.”

Community partners include: Aerotech Machine Corporation; Angle Porting by Ballistic Specialties; Arkansas Department of Transportation; Arkansas Steel; Bad Boy Mowers; Batesville School Districts; Bennetts Heating & Air; Best Equipment; Bill Davis Trucking; Bobcat of Independence County; Bowman Handles; Bray’s Construction; Cave City School District; Cedar Ridge School District; Concord School District; Custom Craft Poultry; Entergy; Fabco Welding & Fabrication; First Community Bank; Flowers Baking Company; Flywheel; FutureFuel; Haas Automation, Inc.; Greenway Equipment; Hillcrest School District; Home Depot; Intimidator Group; LaCroix Optics; Landshark Logistics; Life Plus; Mechanical Construction Services; Midland School District; Office of Skills Development; Ozark Mountain Poultry; Peco Foods, Inc.; Precise Heating and Air; RISA – Regional Industrial Safety Alliance; Shearer’s Foods; Southside School District; TWH Enterprises; UniFirst; Wade's Heating, Cooling & Electrical; White River Materials; White River Medical Center; White River Planning and Development District’s WIOA Program; Wil-Bry Construction, Inc.

“We are proud to collaborate with UACCB to see the Workforce Training Center be used to the advantage of our community,” said Jan Smith, White River Planning and Development District executive director. “This type of training is necessary in order to see our clients succeed and gives them opportunities that they may not otherwise have readily available. We appreciate UACCB and the continued partnership through the center to see our shared goal of bringing Batesville, and the surrounding communities, resources for success.”

About University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville 

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) is a two-year college that provides quality educational opportunities within a supportive learning environment. The college promotes success through community partnerships, responsive programs and an enduring commitment to improvement. It is recognized for excellence in education, leadership, service and innovation in response to education, economic and social needs. UACCB is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. Learn more at UACCB.edu.