Workforce Development

Ranken Technical College Opens Their New Manufacturing Incubator/Training Center

Congratulations to Ranken Technical College for the opening of their new Manufacturing Incubator/Training Center!

Ranken Technical College recently celebrated the opening of the Robert Plaster Free Enterprise Center, a new Manufacturing Incubator/Training Center in St. Louis. Ranken was awarded a $2.35 million federal grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to build the facility and also partnered with the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE), the STL Partnership and the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC).

Ranken is located in the Promise Zone. The Promise Zone was proud to provide a Certification of Consistency. This certification entails that the building of the Center is consistent with the goals and revitalization strategies of the Promise Zone.

The Center will provide students with work experience, industrial training, certifications, college credit and/or part time salary. The operation will directly support pre-apprentice training, apprenticeship training, entrepreneurial start-ups and well established industries. Training programs will also be held at the Center.

Initially the Center will employ 80-100 students. “This educational initiative will establish a manufacturing footprint of seven new companies in one of the most urban blighted areas in the nation. It will also provide 100-150 students training, financial support and experience while producing $4,000,000 -$5,000,000 in products and services for the participating companies.  It is a win-win for all, said Stan Shoun, CEO of Ranken.

Mayor Lyda Kewson has been a huge supporter of Ranken and proudly presented at the Ribbon Cutting. “For more than 100 years Ranken has been a catalyst for St. Louis and will continue to be,”said Krewson.

For more information about Ranken Technical College click here.