NCKTC Unveils New Underground Construction Program

The North Central Kansas Technical College has unveiled a new program that is gaining worldwide attention.
The Kansas Institute of Underground Technology evolved from the increasing need of a trained workforce in the career fields of horizontal directional drilling, proper fluid mixing and training for locating underground utilities.
In conjunction with grant assistance from the Kansas Department of Commerce, North Central Kansas Community Network, Inc. as a funding source through the Rural Business Development Tax Credit program of the Kansas Department of Commerce and in-kind support from Charles Machine Works, Inc., manufacturer of Ditch Witch products and Ditch Witch of Kansas, NCKTC has developed the Kansas Institute of Underground Technology. The Institute features state-of-the-art, up-to-date curriculum, along with hands-on practical training opportunities to allow participants/students to successfully complete the training needed to safely operate equipment used in underground technology.
Since announcing the new program on September 1st the college has already received a response from the editor of two trade publications in London who plans to help promote the program in Beloit by getting the information to their subscribers.

For more information follow this link to the website on the new college program.

Tech College Sets Sights on Future

The North Central Kansas Technical College is setting sights on developing the Kansas Institute for Underground Construction. The idea is being discussed with representatives from Ditch Witch who manufacture a directional drilling tool used in utility construction.

At this time there is no training program for operation of drilling tools and the technical college would like to be the first to offer such a program and possibly begin a certification program.

School, state and community officials met at the college last week to discuss the ideas for the program in further detail. They hope something can be developed soon. The demand for underground construction is picking up and is expected to be good in the year 2011.

The Institute for Underground Construction would not only include training in directional drilling. It would also cover topics including utility locating, OSHA Regulations, CDL training and a variety of other subjects addressing the needs of the underground construction industry.

We would like to thank the representatives from Ditch Witch who attended the meeting and provided their insight of the industry. This partnership can help formulate a program that benefits both the school and the industry.