Two local schools can provide training after high school for those who want to develop their skills before entering the work force or advance their career. Northwest Technical Institute and NorthWest Arkansas Community College offer a wide range of classes that would help job hunters find employment easier.
NTI, located at 708 S. Old Missouri Road in Springdale, offers many classes for those who want a career in the skilled trades such as electrician, machining, refrigeration, welding, diesel mechanics and electronics. The school also offers classes in pneumatics and hydraulics and mechanical systems.
Many classes are offered at night, so students already working can take the classes after their workday. The cost of the night classes vary from $ 500 to $ 950 depending on the type of class and the length of time required to complete it.
The school also offers classes in healthcare, including Certified Nursing Assistant, practical nursing and surgical technology. Those who complete the CNA class can, after passing a state test, apply for healthcare jobs that require a CNA certification.
In business related classes, the NTI offers business office and information systems. The school also has single-day classes in programs commonly used in offices, such as Excel, PowerPoint and QuickBooks.
High school juniors and seniors can also take some classes, such as automotive repair, diesel technology and welding at NTI. The classes can count towards a high school diploma as well as credit with NTI. Typically, the cost of the classes is absorbed by the student’ s high school.
Students at NTI, in combination with NWACC, can also earn an Associate of General Studies degree for in the skilled trades and technical fields. Those fields include: Ammonia Refrigeration Maintenance Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Automotive Collision Repair, Diesel Technology, Medical Office Assistant, Electronics Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Machine Tool Technology and Surgical Technology.
Students in the General Studies degree program can transfer up to 30 hours of credit to NWACC.
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