Established in July 1998 by Black River Technical College (BRTC) and area industries, the Greene County Industrial Training Consortium (GCITC) began offering consortium services and custom training from a rental building. The program grew quickly and within 2 years GCITC knew they needed a larger facility to meet area industries’ needs. Thus, in partnership with Black River Technical College, the industrial center complex was completed in 2001 and has remained busy ever since.
GCITC consists of members from business, industry, and educational providers. It was established to enhance area economic development by meeting Northeast Arkansas’ industrial and business education needs. Through the collaboration with BRTC’s Corporate Education department, members are provided with high-quality, skill-building education that is customized to the needs of the business or industry.
BRTC’s Corporate and Community Education employees coordinate the business/industrial training. They help businesses determine training needs, find instructors, write grants for direct funding and tax credits, schedule classrooms, and request catering. Many of the employees are also instructors for leadership and technology courses offered through BRTC and GCITC.