ASU-Beebe Receives Grant for the Floorhand Training Program

The General Improvement Funds were allocated by the Arkansas State Senate. With the help of Senator John Paul Capps, ASU-Beebe was awarded the grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).
“When this program began earlier this year I started thinking of ways I could help,” stated Senator Capps. “It is a tremendous asset to the community to offer training for good paying positions. I know it will be highly successful and ASU-Searcy will do an excellent job in delivering the type of instruction that will provide for a safe environment in the industry. This will be a lot in terms of money to our community and I am glad I was able to assist with the continuation of this program.”

Searcy is serving as the governing authority, and Searcy Mayor Belinda LaForce and Senator Capps presented the check to ASU-Beebe.

“This program is one of the many benefits of the partnerships that are being built around the Fayetteville Shale. Senator Capps was instrumental in obtaining the grant money for ASU-Searcy to continue to train people in our community,” Mayor Belinda LaForce said. “The City of Searcy is happy to be the governing authority for the grant. Our role is to make sure the money is appropriated in the correct way and be a support to ASU-Searcy.”

With a $75,000 donation from each Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Nomac and a $50,000 donation from Union Drilling, the Floorhand Training Program started accepting students in April. High Plains Technology donated the training until July 1, 2008. As of July 11, 2008, 88 students have completed the training and over half are already working in the industry. Students are employed by companies such as Union Drilling, Premier Well, Nomac, Helmick & Paine, and Saxton, with an average hourly wage of $14 to $22.50.

“No economic development phenomenon of this magnitude could be successful without the educational workforce component. The role of ASU-Searcy with the support of Senator Capps and AEDC is absolutely vital to the overall success of this industry in Central Arkansas,” stated Danny Games, director-corporate development for Chesapeake Energy Corporation. “Many companies have already been looking to this program for employees and ASU-Searcy will continue to provide qualified candidates for many years to come.”

The Floorhand Training Program is a 40-hour week program that provides students with occupational training skills and on-the-job experience with a simulator, as well as essential classroom training. Each class includes training in both a classroom environment and on a realistic drilling rig simulator that has been erected on the Searcy campus. The curriculum focuses on intensive training in drilling operations and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) safe working procedures. Upon completion of the program, students receive a Forklift Operator's certification, Rig Pass, Basic CPR and First Aid and a Floorhand completion certificate. These credentials are recognized by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC).

For more information about the Floorhand Training Program, contact ASU-Searcy at 207-4049 or stop by the campus to pick up an application at 1800 East Moore Ave.