Forty-two Harrison Middle School students are touring Northark Technical Center (NTC) this morning. The 8th graders, members of HMS teacher Maribeth O'Dell's Career Development classes, will tour three divisions of the Tech Center including construction, welding, and HVAC. After learning about the Technical Center opportunities, students will eat lunch (provided by NTC) and then travel to Northark's south campus to tour the new Robotics Training Center currently under construction.
Harrison students can attend the Tech Center free of charge earning college credit while still in high school. The curriculum provides students with hands-on training in several technical fields including robotics & manufacturing, automotive service technology, collision repair technology, construction technology, health professions, HVAC/R technology, outdoor power equipment, and welding..
The Center serves area high schools in Baxter, Boone, Carroll, Marion, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties. Services are provided at no cost to students. Books, tuition and fees are provided through NTC and funded by a training fee paid by local school districts and funds provided through the Arkansas Department of Career Education.
The programs provided by NTC lead to a professional certification or a certificate of proficiency from North Arkansas College. NTC classes are credited for the student at both the high school and college level. Students can finish their NTC programs with as many as 30 college hours toward a higher degree or employment certification.
