$5 Million Technical Training Center Provides Hands-On Education in Agriculture and Electrical Distribution Systems
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A new facility dedicated to workforce development in high-demand fields that power and feed Missouri communities opened on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at Ozarks Technical Community College’s Richwood Valley Campus in Ozark.
College leadership, industry partners, faculty and students gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new 19,600-square-foot Technical Training Center (TTC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the opportunity to explore learning spaces and heavy equipment.
The $5 million facility was made possible through multiple sources. The State of Missouri contributed $2.5 million through the MoExcel’s program and the Economic Development Administration contributed more than $1.7 million. The remaining funds came from college sources. The TTC will serve as the primary training site for Ozarks Tech’s agriculture and electrical distribution systems (EDS) programs, two career pathways vital to Missouri’s economic infrastructure.
Equipped with cutting-edge tools and specialized training spaces, the TTC provides students with practical, real-world experience. The center reflects Ozark Tech’s mission to create educational opportunities to improve lives and strengthen the communities the college serves.
“We are focused on providing students with the tools and training they need to succeed in today’s workforce,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, Chancellor of Ozarks Tech. “This new training center will prepare them for careers that make a difference in people’s everyday lives.”
Classes at the Technical Training Center will begin immediately with the start of the fall 2025 semester.
Powering Up a New Generation of Lineworkers
Since its launch in 2018, Ozarks Tech’s electrical distribution systems program has experienced steady enrollment, driven by strong industry demand and well-paying job opportunities. Last year, the college’s EDS graduates reported a 100% job placement rate with starting salaries above $60,000. In 2025, Ozarks Tech marked a major milestone with the graduation of its first female lineworker.
The EDS program is built on teaching real-world skills. Students receive classroom instruction alongside field training in pole climbing, bucket truck operation, transformer theory, live-line work, and earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Educating Tomorrow’s Agricultural Leaders
Ozarks Tech’s agriculture program offers associate degrees in general agriculture, plant science and animal science. Graduates can either enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year university. Since the program moved to Richwood Valley in 2019, enrollment in the Agriculture program has increased by more than 50% with more than 200 students taking courses each year.
The program addresses Missouri’s ever-present need for skilled professionals in agriculture and related industries, including farming, ranching, conservation, equipment manufacturing, landscaping and horticulture.
Continued Growth Through 2026
Ozarks Tech continues answering the call to lead workforce development in Missouri and beyond. The Technical Training Center is the second major facility opened by the college this year, following the debut of the Roy Blunt Aviation Training Center in June.
Growth continues into 2026 with the fall opening of the Michael L. Parson Student Union, a nearly 100,000-square-foot building featuring student amenities such as the Eagle Store, library, fitness center, food court and study spaces.
Quick Facts
About the Technical Training Center
- New 19,600-square-foot facility at Richwood Valley Campus.
- $5 million investment supported by MoExcels Workforce Initiative, a federal grant and Ozarks Tech.
- Built to support high-demand programs in electrical distribution systems and agriculture.
- Construction and design completed by Branco Enterprises, Inc. and Paragon Architecture, LLC.
Electrical Distribution Systems
- Program launched in 2018 to meet rising industry demand.
- 2024 graduates reported 100% job placement with starting salaries of $60,000+.
- 2025 milestone: first female lineworker graduate.
Agriculture Program
- Associate degrees in general agriculture, plant science, animal science are transferable to four-year universities or direct-to-workforce.
- 50% enrollment growth since moving to Richwood Valley in 2019.
- Over 200 students enrolled annually.
Photo L-R: Darby, Rob Flatness, John Gentry, Larry Snyder, Congressman Eric Burlison, Hal Higdon, Paula Adams, Katie Moore, Paul Sundy, Matt Ogden, Cliff Davis