Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold will cease its participation in the Occupational Training Center program put on by the Eastern Arizona College effective May 31.

A letter to EAC President Mark Bryce from Freeport officials David Rhoades, general manager-administration, and Jamie Davis, general manager, stated the memorandum of understanding expires May 31 and will not be extended.

“Freeport-McMoRan appreciates the leadership and cooperative efforts of the college since 2006 in providing these educational services to members of the community,” the letter stated.

The Occupational Training Center opened its doors in October 2006. Phelps Dodge Mining Co. and EAC partnered to offer three mining-related occupation tracks — diesel technician, electrical and instrumentation technician and industrial plant technician. Those who completed two semesters of training received certification from the college.

Students accepted into the programs were given scholarships from the mining company. The scholarships covered the cost of full-time tuition, program fees and books. A paid internship at the Safford or Morenci mine was included.

In May 2007, 44 students graduated from the training and stepped into full-time jobs at the Morenci or Safford copper mines.

The college offered the option for students to continue with a second year of training to earn an associate’s degree in applied science from the college.

The center continued classes after Phelps Dodge merged with Freeport in March 2007. The class that graduates this year will be the last from the center.

EAC Dean of Instruction Mike Crockett sees the nearly four-year association with Phelps Dodge and then Freeport as positive.

“This partnership has helped EAC fulfill its work force development mission,” Crockett said in a prepared statement. “The OTC successfully demonstrated a reproducible strategy for future collaborations with FMI or other employers as the need arises.”