Jonesboro, AR – (Contributed) – An initiative at Arkansas State University is gaining traction as plans continue for the new CREST (Career Readiness Education and Skills Training) Center.  

CREST, a partnership with ASU-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College at Blytheville, began earlier this year.

As part of the progress, the community is invited to attend an upcoming showcase, planned for 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Judd Hill Farmers’ Market, located at 3350 Aggie Road.  

“CREST offers opportunities in steel technology, industrial controls, engineering technology and food science. Deans, instructors, industry partners and CREST administration will be available to discuss different pathways with community members,” said Natalie Draper, director of CREST marketing and outreach.

Although the center’s building is still in the planning phases, Draper said they want the community to understand what CREST is and what the development of this program will mean for the area. 

“Phase one portion of this project will allow us to deliver a variety of industrial training courses and programs to the Jonesboro campus,” said Dr. Robin Myers, who is consulting on the project due to his experiences as the former president of Arkansas Northeastern College and having recently served as interim president of the ASU System. 

Myers continued: “This phase will consist of approximately 20 to 25,000 square feet and will contain classrooms and labs for electricity and electronics, industrial mechanical drives, programmable logic controls, industrial motor controls, robotics, and industrial process controls.” 

“The showcase will allow us to demonstrate the hands-on learning and workforce skills students gain through CREST programs. We can use this opportunity to show how CREST pathways lead directly to in-demand careers in Northeast Arkansas,” said Draper.  

Draper said CREST will be more than just a facility, the development of this program is an investment in the region’s future.  

“This will be a dedicated space to train the next generation of skilled workers in fields that directly align with the region’s growing industries, such as steel, food science and advanced manufacturing,” Draper continued.  

Those interested in learning more about CREST or the upcoming showcase can contact Draper at ndraper@AState.edu or by calling 870-680-8271.