CGCC program receives national recognition

THE DALLES — Columbia Gorge Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication program was named the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC) Center of the Year for Manufacturing Outcomes at the annual ITAC Directors Meeting in Park City, Utah. The award recognizes CGCC’s leadership in delivering direct, measurable support to manufacturers through technical assistance, engagement, and applied problem-solving, said a news release.

The Manufacturing Outcomes Award is a national ITAC “Center of the Year” honor from the U.S. Department of Energy, recognizing the center with the most impactful, measurable results for small and mid-sized manufacturers.

Funded through a $1.97 million DOE grant, CGCC’s ITAC serves as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing training and technical assistance at the college’s campus in The Dalles. The center helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers improve productivity, reduce material waste, and lower energy use while giving students hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing technology.

“Our manufacturers are the backbone of the Gorge economy, and this national recognition shows that CGCC is helping them compete at a high level,” said Dr. Kenneth Lawson, CGCC’s president. “By pairing industry-scale tools with student talent and faculty expertise, we’re solving real problems for local companies and opening doors to high-skill, high-wage careers for our graduates.”

CGCC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication program offers certificates and a selection of Associate of Applied Science degrees that prepare students for careers in CNC machining, robotics, additive manufacturing, and quality assurance. Students and faculty work with regional firms on projects that include rapid prototyping, 3D printing, process improvement, and assessments that help smaller manufacturers access expertise and equipment they might not otherwise have.

“The Manufacturing Outcomes Award is about real impact on manufacturers,” said Robert Wells-Clark, lead instructor in Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication. “Our team has worked with a variety of businesses across the region, listening to what they need and then building solutions together. This recognition from DOE reflects the trust those companies have placed in our students and our program.”

CGCC recently expanded its Advanced Manufacturing lab, adding industrial-grade additive manufacturing, laser sintering, and rapid prototyping capabilities. The team also hosts tours and open houses that connect employers, students, and community members with the technology and training that support regional business growth and workforce development.