Wyden, Merkley: Columbia Gorge Community College Selected as Industrial Training and Assessment Center

Wyden, Merkley: Columbia Gorge Community College Selected as Industrial Training and Assessment Center

Nearly $2 million investment will help the college create clean energy industry opportunities for Oregonians and small businesses

Washington D.C.-U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the selection of Columbia Gorge Community College as a new industrial training and assessment center, which includes a $1.99 million federal investment to help the school develop a dedicated 3D printing training space, curriculum, and manufacturer assistance program.

"In my 1,100+ town halls in every nook and cranny of Oregon, I hear about Oregonians' needs for good career opportunities that don't demand four-year degrees, and businesses' needs for a well-trained workforce," Wyden said. "This new investment and designation for Columbia Gorge Community College helps to solve both challenges by developing a highly skilled clean-energy workforce while also opening up rewarding career possibilities for young Oregonians."

"If we don't make things in America, we won't have a middle class in America, and when Oregon's manufacturing industry does well, all Oregonians benefit," said Merkley. "By creating a cutting-edge 3D printing training and workforce development hub, Columbia Gorge Community College is equipping students with the expertise and the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. This program helps set a path for students to reach high-paying careers in manufacturing-opportunities they may not see in the traditional classroom setting."

This newly announced industrial training and assessment center will serve as the Northern Oregon hub for hands-on learning opportunities for local students, union apprentices, and current manufacturing workers, all while identifying ways for small and medium-sized manufacturers to reduce their energy bills.

"We are grateful to the support of Senators Wyden and Merkley for their ongoing support of technology and education across Oregon -- and in rural communities such as our service area," said Dr. Jarett Gilbert, Vice President of Instructional Services at the college. "We appreciate the Department of Energy and its Office of Manufacturing and Supply Chains for recognizing the potential value and impact of the Columbia Gorge Regional Additive Manufacturing program to the national economic development initiative. Finally, we look forward to collaborating with our many industry, workforce, and K12 partners to empower learners with portable knowledge, skills, and competencies that will transform their lives, our community, and our region.

This investment from the U.S. Department of Energy is part of President Biden's "Investing in America" agenda to support small businesses and expand access to high-quality jobs that don't require a four-year degree.