Heavy Equipment Operators' Program Receives Federal Grant

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   The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee received a $1.62 million federal grant to fund a heavy equipment operator training program for the forest and timber industry of southeast Arkansas.

   The grant is part of the Community-Based Job Training Program introduced by President Bush in his 2004 State of the Union address. The UAM COT-McGehee is one of 70 community colleges from 40 states – and one of three in Arkansas – selected to receive a grant, which were presented by the U.S. Department of Labor. Other Arkansas community colleges receiving grants are Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville and Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock.

   "This is exciting news for our campus," said Bob Ware, vice chancellor of UAM COT-McGehee. "This is a wonderful opportunity to expand our workforce training programs into a high-demand field that provides such a valuable service to the economy of this region. The timber industry is one of the economic backbones of southern Arkansas and this program will help UAM fill the need for trained equipment operators to serve this industry."

   Ware said he hopes to have the program in place by the 2006 fall semester.

   "We will begin preparations very soon, but starting a new program from the ground up takes time," he added. "We plan to have the program available by next fall."

   Chancellor Jack Lassiter praised Ware and Audrey Raines, director of the Arkansas Heavy Equipment Operator Training Academy in Warren, for their efforts in securing the grant funding.

   "Since UAM has the state’s only School of Forest Resources, this program and the operation of the Arkansas Heavy Equipment Operator Training Academy continues to create opportunities for the students we serve," Lassiter said. "It’s very important to take advantage of funding opportunities and I commend the staff for their efforts."

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