ARDMORE, Okla. (KTEN) — Four higher education institutes in south central Oklahoma are reaching out to Michelin employees who will lose their jobs when the Ardmore plant ends tire production by the end of 2025.

Murray State College, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, East Central University and SouthernTech are working together to help the 1,400 workers who will lose their jobs at Ardmore's biggest employer.

The universities will offer education opportunities and degrees for employees looking for new skills and a new job.

Murray State president Dr. Tim Faltyn believes that each school has a specific strength, and together, they can help Michelin workers choose their next employment path.

The four schools would also like to find ways to give people credit for their previous workforce experience.

"There might be some quick certifications they can earn because they already have been doing this work," said Southern Tech Superintendent Dr. Eric Ward. "We can help them get that certification, which then starts opening other opportunities for them."

The colleges and universities hope to offer these degrees and programs at a discounted rate. Each school has many different scholarship opportunities for Michelin workers.