Northwest Technical Institute

Arkansas manufacturers and facilities face a growing demand for skilled maintenance technicians. NWTI is offering no-cost training in Basic Electricity and Motor Controls to help industry partners IN ARKANSAS upskill entry-level employees, support new hires, or develop future talent. These hands-on, instructor-led courses are fully grant-funded for a limited time and aligned with the real-world needs of today’s industrial environments.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your internal workforce or refer job-seekers for pre-employment training, this is a high-impact opportunity with no tuition cost to you or the participant.

Basic Electricity I:
This four-day class provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of electricity for industrial applications. Topics covered include electrical fundamentals, Ohm’s Law, direct and alternating current, series, and parallel circuits, magnetism, and motor basics. Students will explore key electrical components, such as transformers and branch circuits, and will develop basic troubleshooting skills for electrical systems. Through hands-on exercises and theoretical knowledge, participants will learn essential techniques to safely and effectively work with electrical systems in an industrial environment.

We designed this course for individuals new to industrial maintenance or those needing to refresh their basic electrical concepts.

Basic Electricity II:
This four-day class expands on fundamental electrical concepts, focusing on practical applications in industrial systems. Key topics include ladder diagrams, alarm circuits, motor starter controls, troubleshooting techniques, and auto defrost cycles. Participants will gain hands-on experience with electrical circuit analysis, control devices, and troubleshooting methods for industrial equipment. The course also covers advanced topics such as compressor circuit analysis and the use of 4-20 mA signals in process automation.

This course is ideal for those seeking to deepen their understanding of electrical control systems in industrial settings.

Motor Controls:
This 4-day training course provides an in-depth, hands-on introduction to motor control systems used in industrial and commercial applications. Designed for maintenance personnel, electricians, and technical students, the course focuses on the operation, wiring, and troubleshooting of motor starters, relays, overloads, and control circuits. Participants will learn to interpret motor control schematics, build functional circuits, and apply proper safety procedures while working with energized equipment.

Through guided lab activities and real-world scenarios, students will gain practical motor control design, installation, and fault diagnosis skills—including reversing starters, jogging circuits, interlocks, and Variable Frequency Drives.