(The following report appeared on the Southwest Nebraska News website on July 10.)
McCOOK, Neb. — The Union Pacific Railroad and Mid-Plains Community College will jointly announce a new educational partnership at a news conference scheduled for Friday, July 13, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Room 403 at the Main Building on North Platte Community College’s North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive in North Platte.
The agreement between Mid-Plains Community College and Union Pacific Railroad will create two 18-month Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Electrical Technology or Diesel Technology with an emphasis in Railroad Operations. The new emphasis areas will apply railroad-specific training and provide employment interviews with the railroad to those who successfully complete the program coursework.
On Friday, representatives from the railroad and college are expected to formally sign the Memorandum of Understanding and further explain the two new emphasis areas. The announcement will also launch the recruiting and marketing efforts for both emphasis areas. It is expected that the two programs will begin immediately accepting students for the upcoming Fall Term beginning August 20th. It is anticipated that graduates will complete the training at the conclusion of the Fall ‘08 term.
The conference will conclude with a celebration reception and tours of the recently remodeled facilities.