Black River Technical College held a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14 at The Armory at BRTC in Piggott. The site will house career and technical certification opportunities for students in Clay County. Classes will begin in Fall 2023, specifically welding and robotics automation: distribution and logistics.
BRTC President Martin Eggensperger, BRTC Director of Career, Technical, and Concurrent Education Darenda Kersey, Arkansas Office of Skills Development Associate Director Stephanie Issacs, Piggott School District Superintendent Freddie Bowen, and Governor Asa Hutchison gave commanding speeches about BRTC’s presence in Piggott. The Armory at BRTC will give the students in Clay County an upper hand when transitioning to the job market from high school.
“We transform lives and enhance the community we serve and we are thrilled to now be able to serve Clay County better than ever,” Kersey said about BRTC.
Governor Asa Hutchison said, “this is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Clay County.” He added that one of his main concerns during his time as governor has been growing the scope of educational access across the state. The growth BRTC will bring to Piggott will be exponential for years to come.
The dedication of the armory would not be possible without the donations and leg work of our community leaders. The Arkansas Department of Education represented at the dedication by Secretary Johnny Key and Dr. Ivy Pfeffer provided a $350,000 grant to construct a welding lab classroom as well as equipment. The Arkansas Office of Skills Development represented by Stephanie Issacs at the dedication donated $654,000 thus far for renovations of the army and robotic/conveyor equipment. The City of Piggott donated labor and materials to install a three-phase transformer.
BRTC has partnered with Fidus Global, Greenbrier, and Hytrol to provide the highest quality training for students in electricity, robotics, industrial automation, controls, and welding. Fidus Global utilized its business partnerships to help BRTC obtain top of the line, current robotics and automation equipment at a discounted rate. Hytrol has provided insight and resources, developing and implementing a sophisticated conveyor system, so students can reap the benefits of cutting-edge training. Greenbrier has committed to providing human resources in the form of welding teachers and industry knowledge to help BRTC curriculum stay on top.
“BRTC is grateful for all of these outstanding business partners and their commitment to training tomorrow’s workforce,” said BRTC Vice President Brad Baine.
For more information about the CTC program at The Armory at BRTC, please contact Darenda Kersey at (870)248-4184 or by email at darenda.kersey@blackrivertech.edu.