Entergy, ADE partner for online career and technical education courses
LITTLE ROCK — Entergy Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Education recently announced a $482,000 grant that will be used to develop 20 new Career and Technical Education courses that will be available to high school students and adults next fall.
“In addition to affordable and reliable electricity, we need a good business environment, good transportation and qualified employees to help businesses grow if we want our state and communities to be successful,” Entergy Arkansas President and CEO Laura Landreaux in a news release. “To that end, Entergy Arkansas is proud to support these efforts with nearly a half a million dollars from the Entergy Charitable Foundation.”
In Arkansas, a majority of high school students are enrolled in one or more CTE programs of study, which are designed to prepare them for college and career after graduation, the release said.
“We are excited to partner with Entergy Arkansas to offer additional CTE courses to students around the state,” Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Johnny Key said in the release. “CTE is essential, as it provides high school students the opportunity to build workforce skills that will enhance learning and employability. Fifty-three percent of CTE students earn a median income of $55,000 or higher after graduation, and
68 percent of students who complete a CTE program of study earn a postsecondary credential. These additional opportunities will expand the workforce pipeline to address critical economic development needs.”
“When schools closed in the spring due to
COVID-19, CTE students experienced a loss of access to in-person instruction and hands-on experience, potentially creating a gap in the pipeline of prepared workers. As a result, the Department of Education began working with $300,000 in CARES Act Funds to develop a plan for online and blended learning with its CTE Playbook, a template for 80 classes in multiple areas such as business and marketing, agriculture technology, STEM, and welding.
“Because of the need for more trade and industry coursework, the department is partnering with Entergy Arkansas to create 20 additional courses to better prepare students for jobs in manufacturing and industry. Based on research and input from Arkansas businesses regarding their workforce needs, online CTE coursework in industrial equipment technologies; precision machining; machine power and equipment systems; mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems; and metal fabrication are among the 20 courses that will be available to students for the 2021-2022 school year,” the release said.
“Technology has advanced tremendously in the last few years while Arkansas competes every day in recruiting for new and expanding business,” Danny Games, director for Entergy Arkansas Business and Economic Development, said in the release. “These companies require an educated and skilled workforce that can satisfy their needs and, in turn, provide higher-skilled and higher- paying jobs. These CTE courses should benefit students and their potential employers for years to come.”
The 20 new Trade and Industry CTE courses will be available to high school students in July 2021, while other CTE courses will be made available over the next two years. The State Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Office of Skills Development will provide additional consultation to reflect business and industry needs, the release said.
“I am also glad to announce that a separate portal will be built to make these CTE courses available to persons already in the workplace who are looking to learn new skills and advance their careers,” Landreaux said. “Our message is this — if you missed out on opportunities like this in high school, a little time and energy on nights and weekends now can mean more opportunities for advancement and a better-paying job in the future.”
Employers and employees will have access to the 20 new courses at a nominal cost by fall 2021.
“We appreciate Secretary Johnny Key and the Department of Education for their support of this initiative for adult learners, as well,” Landreaux said.
The CTE grant is made possible by Entergy Arkansas and the Entergy Charitable Foundation as part of $1.13 million dollars Entergy has invested or committed in Arkansas over the past five years to develop the state’s workforce and support its customers and communities.
Other funding investments and commitments include $ 50,000 to the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Be Pro, Be Proud initiative; $350,000 for the Academies of Central Arkansas; and $250,000 for the Jobs for Arkansas Graduates high school programs across the state. The Arkansas grants are part of an overall Entergy initiative to provide $5 million across its four-state utility service area, the release said.