ABB is setting the stage for the next generation of professionals by launching a career-readiness program at Arkansas Tech University’s Ozark campus. This initiative, focused on advanced manufacturing skills such as automation technology, air conditioning, and refrigeration, aims to equip students with the necessary tools and knowledge for the evolving manufacturing sector.
Located at ABB’s Ozark motor manufacturing facility—one of the region’s largest employers with over 250 employees—this program is designed to respond to the growing demand for skilled labor in advanced manufacturing technologies. The facility, known for producing 3,000 Baldor-Reliance industrial electric motors weekly, plays a crucial role in driving the local economy and supporting various industries by ensuring the efficient flow of air, liquid, and data.
“This program not only aims to build a skilled workforce but also to enhance the overall economic development of the region,” said Greg Dawson, Human Resources Business Partner at ABB’s Ozark plant. “By pre-training candidates, we are preparing them to immediately contribute to our operations rather than starting from scratch.”
Reflecting global trends highlighted in the 2023 World Manufacturing Report, which notes that 68% of the world's largest manufacturers are ramping up their digital technology investments, the curriculum at Arkansas Tech will cover critical areas such as smart manufacturing, robotics, precision measurement, and production monitoring technologies. The five-week course will conclude with a certification from the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) and three college credit hours.
ABB plans to replicate this successful model in other universities located near its manufacturing facilities nationwide. The company’s commitment to workforce development is further demonstrated by its ongoing partnerships and investments in educational initiatives. In 2023, ABB contributed $1 million to develop a workforce training program at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS), focusing on roles that support advanced manufacturing, engineering, and automation.
Furthermore, ABB's engagement with the Peak Innovation Center underscores its dedication to community and educational development. This regional collaboration with Fort Smith Public Schools and UAFS has been bolstered by ABB's $1 million investment, which has provided cutting-edge equipment for programs in automation/robotics, electronics technology, and computer-integrated machining.
Through these initiatives, ABB is not only fostering a skilled workforce that is ready to face the challenges of modern manufacturing but is also reinforcing its role as a pivotal player in the economic and professional development of the communities where it operates.
