A New Wave: BRTC’s Advancements with Cutting-Edge Technology

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Technical jobs are becoming widely available in Northeast Arkansas. Hospitals are needing nurses, factories are needing technicians, and tech companies are needing programmers. While some businesses will go on the hunt for employees, others will look towards a local community college.

Black River Technical College (BRTC) is becoming the two-year college that students from Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri are putting at the top of their lists. With campuses in Pocahontas and Paragould, the college has 1,500 credit students and 2,200 workforce training students. The college offers programs like nursing, welding, and auto body repair. However, BRTC is not just offering the courses, they are giving students experience before they even step into the workforce.

Thanks to Arkansas Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program, BRTC is providing cutting-edge technology to their students to help them explore different career paths and find the one that fits them. The Bridge, BRTC’s career readiness center, is where students are encountering this tech. A program working to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, The Bridge is filled with opportunities for students.

The center houses multiple virtual reality headsets that students can utilize when deciding on a career. Students interested in welding can get a glimpse into what they will be doing by using one of the welding simulators. Students leaning towards nursing can assist a patient in an emergency setting when using the nursing simulator. The auto body paint booth is available to those interested in auto body repair. Exploring students can also try the truck driving simulator and consider obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If a student comes in undecided on a career, that can use a VR headset to explore multiple career paths and the various jobs they offer.

 

Welding Simulator
Programs in the Virtual Reality headset
CDL Simulator

The Bridge is also a vital pathway for students and enables them to interact with potential employers. The program focuses heavily on building student’s durable skill sets to help them impress businesses and secure jobs before they even graduate from BRTC.

“A student can be extremely intelligent and have all of the degrees, but how do they actually perform in the field? Do they have a good work ethic? Have they developed critical thinking skills?” Shane Copeland, director of student career readiness, said.

Copeland, who accepted the position at BRTC in January of 2024, has been working hard to ensure The Bridge is offering students every opportunity possible. He said he tries to make sure that each simulation is up-to-date and is showing students accurate demonstrations. He also said it is extremely important to keep the tech updated because potential employers are always stopping by The Bridge and can see what the students are learning.

Another large aspect of The Bridge is that it is a connection point for students and businesses. Copeland works closely with BRTC’s technical programs and is always looking for job openings and internship opportunities for students. Besides running the technology in the center, he also coordinates events for students to explore BRTC’s business partners. Students are able to attend career fairs, lunch and learns with businesses and industry leaders, and business and industry exploration trips. Copeland also helps with the more tedious side of job searches. At The Bridge students can receive help with writing resumes and cover letters, and they can also participate in mock interviews.

 

2024 09 10--A New Wave- BRTCs Advancement with Cutting EdgeTech 3

Black River Technical College has been forging technical career paths for students since 1971 and thrives to provide for its community. BRTC forms and fosters relationships with local businesses to ensure the community that the ones serving them are home grown. As Northeast Arkansas continues to develop and add technical positions to the area, BRTC will continue to create and provide local leaders, craftsmen, and heroes.

For more information about The Bridge, contact Director of Student Career Readiness Shane Copeland at (870) 248-4022 or shane.copeland@blackrivertech.edu.