The University of Arkansas Pulaski Institute of Technology will lead efforts to develop and implement job training programs focused on energy infrastructure and utilities.
The university will leverage the $2 million grant to work with other partners to develop students’ skills to become highly specialized energy grid operators and energy grid cybersecurity experts. Then he said.
“These individuals play a critical role in providing reliable and cost-effective power to homes and businesses across Arkansas and beyond,” the university said in a news release.
This program is a collaboration between universities and partner groups. They include:
Regional transmission operators: Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), and Southwest Power Pool.
Power companies: Entergy, Today’s Power, and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Corporation.
Institution: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas Research Alliance. and Forge Research Institute.
Plaski Tech said the program addresses two important skills gaps in the energy industry.
Certification from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation is required to ensure that individuals have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate large power systems reliably. Pulaski Technical College said the initiative will reduce its reliance on out-of-state training.
Energy grid-specific cybersecurity training essential to protecting critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.
Plaski Tech said the project will run over two years. During that time, the agency will develop a certification and cybersecurity training curriculum for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. Increase the number of Arkansans who are certified by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. Strengthen energy sector cybersecurity preparedness. Increase awareness of career opportunities in energy infrastructure and utilities.
The North Little Rock-based community college said officials will work on creating the program over the long term. Officials said they will achieve that goal by expanding training offerings and continuing to establish long-term partnerships with industry leaders.
