MHC partners with college to expand tech program

Mhc 300x210Murphy-Hoffman Company (MHC) has partnered with Ozark Technical Community College (OTC) to expand the school’s diesel training facility at its Springfield, Mo., campus. The 12,500 sq.-ft. facility recently celebrated the grand opening of the MHC Diesel Technician Training Center and is now open for students.

“MHC has a long history and deep roots in Springfield, Mo., which made this a meaningful partnership,” says MHC vice Vresident and General Manager Kyle Hoffman. “We are proud to help OTC’s efforts in training the industry’s up-and-coming technicians. Offering state-of-the-art education will help keep well-trained employees in the area and the local economy healthy.”

Students in OTC’s diesel technology program can either earn a one-year certificate or a two-year associate of applied science. Currently, the college graduates approximately 40 diesel technicians per year. With the expansion, the college hopes to increase that number by 50 percent.

“OTC’s strong ties to MHC Kenworth will help attract more students to go to the school and attend the diesel technology program,” says Tristan Beyer, OTC alumnus and MHC body man apprentice. “In turn, students will benefit from training in a superior learning environment. As a former student, it’s exciting to see the changes that are happening at my alma mater.”

The new facility is an addition to OTC’s current diesel training facility in the school’s Industry and Transportation Technology Center (ITTC). The addition includes three truck bays and four classrooms with learning labs. The expansion was made possible through a $1 million grant from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and $1 million in matching funds primarily raised from private donations, including MHC, the project’s naming sponsor.

The MHC Diesel Technician Training Center opened for classes in January 2019. More than 100 OTC students are currently enrolled.

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