On Monday, October 27, Black River Technical College (BRTC) held a grand opening for its newly renovated welding lab on the Pocahontas campus.
The renovation was made possible with Delta Regional Authority's (DRA) $499,000 SEDAP grant and took around a year to complete. With the funds, BRTC was able to purchase new equipment, updates the welding stalls, and carry out needed building maintenance like painting and new garage-style shop doors.
BRTC had around 30 guests from local industries, chambers, local legislators and elected officials, and state and regional organizations in attendance to see the improved space. Also in attendance, and the event's guest speaker, was Clint O'Neal, Arkansas Economic Development Committee Executive Director and DRA Arkansas Designee. With the renovations, BRTC is able to keep their welding classes up-to-date with industry standards and better prepare students entering the workforce.
BRTC's welding program is a combination metal-working program that provides skills in practical application of welding techniques as well as the operation and maintenance of related tools in the industry. The program includes instruction on arc welding, semi-automated (MIG) welding, and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding.
For more information about BRTC's welding program contact Phillip Davis, Dean of Business and Technical Education, at
