Today’s manufacturing industries need highly skilled workers. Area residents can learn how to develop those skills to increase their employability at Missouri State University-West Plains’ (MSU-WP) Technology Showcase.
The free, drop-in event is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 4, at the Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (GOCAT), 395 Jackie D. Garrett Ave., in West Plains.
Those attending can tour the facility and see the state-of-the-art equipment used to train students and view demonstrations of the pieces in action, organizers said. Visitors also can speak with instructors, meet with area employers, and find out how the skills embedded in MSU-WP’s technology programs offered at the GOCAT are needed by area industries, many of which are currently hiring.
“The MSU-WP training programs at the GOCAT facility have been developed hand-in-hand with local manufacturers,” said MSU-WP Interim Chancellor Dennis Lancaster. “Our primary goal in developing the programs has been to benefit both students and our area industries.
“And, with some of our manufacturers needing new workers with these skill sets now and some who may need their current workers to increase their skills in specific areas, this is an ideal opportunity to learn how to be ready to meet these challenging demands on the plant floor,” he added.
Sheila Barton, director of workforce development programs for MSU-WP, said the university’s technology programs provide hands-on technical training needed within the manufacturing industry.
“As a National Coalition of Certification Center (NC3), each program includes certifications in electricity, hydraulics/pneumatics, mechanical systems, PLCs and robotics,” she explained. “And, as a Lincoln Electric Educational Program (LEEPS) partner, we are very proud to offer a new program this fall in advanced welding and fabrication.”