ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS, US — The International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) and Cowley College will host a free webinar outlining its online milling technician program.

The free webinar will be offered May 13 at 2:00 p.m. central.

The Cowley College milling technician certificate program is taught by veteran milling experts, two certification levels are offered.

In the Certificate B program, the milling courses are paired with Cowley’s mechatronics courses to provide a comprehensive study of the wheat flour milling environment.

The Certificate A program allows students to enroll in just the five milling courses. All courses are delivered through an online learning management system, meaning a student never has to be on campus. When online courses are completed, a 250-hour internship in a flour mill (locally) provides an opportunity for skills mastery application and demonstration.

Each course is divided into weekly modules where students view a recorded lecture and supplemental videos, complete required readings in The Fundamentals of Flour Milling textbook, and participate in discussions with fellow students with feedback and guidance from an instructor.

Each module includes a hands-on lab experience that simulates a particular task in the mill, all tied to the concepts being learned that week. Students receive feedback and guidance from an instructor who brings career-long expertise and perspective of the industry.

In 2015, Cowley College and the IAOM partnered to develop this program to train technicians working in flour mills. This approach is designed to help meet industry demand and connects students to career opportunities after completing two semesters and an internship. All courses earn college credits and are delivered in an online format.

Fall classes for the milling technician certificate program are scheduled to begin Aug. 24.

Kansas high school students may be eligible for their tuition to be waived through the Excel in CTE (formerly SB 155) program.

To register for the free webinar, click here.

For more information about the milling technician certificate program or to register for the program, visit the Cowley College website.