Progress continues at Tarkio Technology Institute (on the former Tarkio College campus) in Tarkio, Missouri, with plans to open its doors in January of 2020. With a mission statement of “Student-focused education established on the principles of service to others and founded upon faith, honor and the human spirit,” classes to be provided in January will include welding, plumbing, and wind energy. Classes will be held in Thompson Learning Center and the building to the south, which used to house the boilers. The needed HVAC is being installed in the welding lab and a fire suppression system is being installed. Available for dual enrollment starting in January will be welding, plumbing, and wind energy. The diploma is available in all programs by adding three academic classes.
Tarkio Tech offers a basic welding certificate and a diploma in welding technology. The certificate provides students a complete program in welding, which prepares them for work as apprentice welders. Students may take any individual course without being in a welding program as long as they meet the course prerequisites. For nontraditional students (any citizen wanting to learn), a basic welding class will be offered for eight Saturdays beginning January 25.
The plumbing technology diploma prepares individuals to work in the field of plumbing by applying technical knowledge and skills to layout, assemble, install, and maintain piping fixtures and systems for natural gas, LP gas, hot water, drainage, sprinkling, and plumbing processing systems in residential and commercial environments. This includes instruction in source determination, water service and distribution, waste removal, pressure adjustment, basic physics, technical mathematics, print reading, pipe installation, pumps, soldering, plumbing inspection, and applicable codes and standards. The plumbing lab has several systems set up with sinks, garbarge disposals, dishwashers, tubs, toilets, etc. for the students to get hands-on experience.
The wind energy technology program is a certificate program. The program provides students with a basic understanding of wind energy technology and is designed to train students in safety, electricity, wind energy, hydraulics and generators. It will prepare participants for an entry-level position in the industry. The wind energy program will begin with a basic theory class online, and then the students will come to campus to learn the welding, repelling, and nacelle work (nacelles house the electronics and hydraulics of the wind turbines).
Eventually, Tarkio Tech looks to offer computer technology, HVAC, and emergency management classes (fall of 2020) and health science, manufacturing, diesel, and electrician classes (fall of 2021). There are student positions still available for the classes to begin in January of 2020. If you are interested, email info@tarkiotech.com, visit the school’s website at tarkiotech.com, or call 660-623-9071.
On January 15, KCTV5’s “Better Kansas City Program” will air live at 9 a.m. and Johnnie Davis will be on set to discuss the progress at Tarkio Tech. There are still two ways to donate, with the Founders Fund and Partnership Program. Donations are always needed, as eventually a new elevator will need to be installed at Thompson Learning Center with an estimate cost of $75,000. For anyone wanting to take a look at the renovations and classrooms available, there is someone on campus Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (except for holidays). Stop by to take a look!
