Business and higher ed talks lead to new course at Ozarks Technical Community College

Businesses asked, and the education community has answered.

Beginning this fall, the Center for Workforce Development at Ozarks Technical Community College will offer a new course designed with a particular local industry in mind. The pilot course will focus on stainless steel fabrication and finishing, and will be a part of OTC’s welding credit program.

The idea for the course was borne out of collaboration between OTC and the Stainless Steel Manufacturing Industry Council, formed by the Chamber and its economic development arm, the Springfield Business Development Corporation last year.

The council is part of the Chamber’s business assistance program, and brings together company executives and workforce partners from across the Springfield region to discuss the needs of the stainless steel industry, a growing sector in the regional economy.

While OTC looks at developing a related non-credit course, the Industry Council will continue to its work to strengthen community support and awareness of the impact that the stainless steel industry has on the Springfield region.