CGCC Secures $2 M Federal Grant for 3-D Metal Manufacturing Training Hub

Program to create a sustainable manufacturing hub and local infrastructure that will transform region’s workforce capabilities

Robert Wells-Clark, CGCC’s lead instructor in the Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication program stands in front of a metal laser printer that can print metal parts using three dimensional CAD data. Wells-Clark worked on the grant that landed Columbia Gorge Community College entrance into the Industrial Training and Assessment Centers network.

From Columbia Gorge Community College:

By Tom Penberthy

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 17, 2024 — The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) announced that CGCC has been selected to join the Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITAC) network. The ITAC network trains energy and manufacturing workers while helping small- and medium-sized manufacturers improve productivity and lower their energy bills. 

“This grant enables us to build on several prior initiatives in CGCC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication program to create a sustainable manufacturing hub and local infrastructure that will transform our region’s workforce capabilities,” said Robert Wells-Clark, CGCC’s lead instructor in the Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication program. He continued: “The Columbia Gorge Regional Additive Manufacturing and ITAC will train students and employers on cutting-edge technology that reduces material waste by up to 90% and energy usage by 50%. Our graduates will be prepared for high-demand careers in aerospace, medical device manufacturing, and the energy sector while learning environmentally conscious manufacturing practices that are crucial for the future.

Since its formation in 1976, the ITAC has funded over 21,000 projects across the United States, helping small manufacturing companies run more efficiently, and helping hundreds of manufacturing workers, apprentices, and students level up their ability to succeed in quality careers that don’t require a four-year college degree. 

“One of Columbia Gorge Community College’s strategic priorities is to advance economic growth, inclusive prosperity, and a thriving community," said Dr. Kenneth Lawson, CGCC’s President. “Our Advanced Manufacturing program supports economic growth and industry innovation by providing community access to sophisticated manufacturing equipment and processes with support from our program faculty. This Department of Energy funding allows us to add another layer of capacity for manufacturers and innovators in our region. Not only are we preparing a skilled and well-trained workforce, we are actively investing in an infrastructure that allows our community to thrive and innovate.”

Added CGCC’s Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Jarett Gilbert, “We are grateful to Senators Wyden and Merkley for their ongoing support of technology and education across Oregon -- especially in rural communities such as ours. We appreciate the DOE and the MESC for recognizing the potential impact of the Columbia Gorge Regional Additive Manufacturing program to the national economic efficiency 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.”

About Columbia Gorge Community College

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) serves students across the Columbia River Gorge region with campuses in The Dalles and Hood River. CGCC offers a wide range of  transfer programs, workforce training opportunities, and community education courses designed to meet the needs of both traditional students and lifelong learners. The college is committed to providing equitable access to affordable education while promoting inclusive prosperity throughout the region.

For more information on CGCC, the bond measure, or upcoming campus improvements, please visit cgccbond.org or contact Tom Penberthy, Marketing & Communication Director, at 541-506-6101 or tpenberthy@cgcc.edu.