Monday, Aug 18, 2025 • Cristal Gonzalez : Contact

As the University of Texas at Arlington continues to serve the communities of west Fort Worth and Parker County, its Extension and Extended Campus is working with industry partners to offer professional training courses that will benefit residents and businesses for years to come.

After providing a variety of camps for kids and teens throughout the summer in Fort Worth, Aledo and Weatherford, the Extension and Extended Campus (EEC) kicked off its programming for adult learners last week with hands-on professional and workforce training at the UTA West office in Willow Park and First Bank Texas.

“UTA West is proud to support these training programs, which are helping to meet the workforce needs of today while preparing Parker County and west Fort Worth for the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Wayne Atchley, vice president for regional campuses. “As UTA West grows, we will continue to partner with local industries and communities to ensure that our region has the skilled professionals it needs to thrive.”

These courses, designed for construction and utility workers, safety managers, public works employees and contractors, expand access to career-focused education in a county that is experiencing growth in industries like health care, construction, public safety and other sectors that need a steady pipeline of trained professionals.

“By equipping workers with specialized, in-demand skills, UTA strengthens the talent pipeline for area businesses, supports safer and more efficient project completion and enhances the economic vitality of the community,” said Cassandra Smith, assistant vice president of the EEC. “In doing so, these courses not only advance individual career prospects but also position Willow Park as a hub for skilled, safety-conscious professionals.”

Related: UTA West launches with new Willow Park storefront

Annette Rogers, administrative and compliance manager for the city of Garland, enrolled in the safety and health management course at First Bank Texas at the recommendation of her supervisor.

“Meeting and collaborating with other safety professionals gave me some great ideas and reminded me how important it is to properly onboard new employees from a safety standpoint,” she said. “Taking the time to teach them and provide them with all the resources they need to be safe and successful is a top priority.”

Related: UTA breaks ground on UTA West, shaping the future

UTA fosters mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses like First Bank Texas through strategic outreach and participation in networking events, where potential partners can explore opportunities for joint training, curriculum development and guest instruction.

“Contributing to workforce development is essential to fulfilling UTA’s mission of education, lifelong learning, research and public service,” Smith said. “By aligning academic programs and training opportunities with the evolving needs of employers, we empower students and professionals with the skills to thrive in high-demand fields.”

For more than 50 years, UTA’s EEC has been delivering state-of-the-art training led by industry experts sharing real-world anecdotes. It has grown since its founding in 1968 as the Division of Continuing Ed and now serves 35,000-plus participants. Learn more about EEC courses.

- Ellie Schirm, Office of Marketing, Messaging, and Engagement

About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 41,000, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.