On The Record
WCC students to benefit from state-of-the-art equipment in skilled trades programs
The college has been awarded $4.4 million in funding from the state’s Community College Skilled Trades Equipment Program (CCSTEP).
The funding will support the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for education and training related to the planned Advanced Transportation Center, which will provide training for the rapidly growing industries of intelligent transportation systems, advanced manufacturing and automotive transportation servicing. WCC programs in machine tool technology, welding and fabrication, auto body repair and automotive services will also benefit from the program.
“This was a tremendous opportunity for community colleges to enhance their curricula and advance their programs and I could not be more excited that Washtenaw Community College was among those awarded,” said Glenn Kay, WCC faculty member and chair of the welding and fabrication department. “I am looking forward to pioneering the advancements this type of support will lend to our department, bringing the future of welding right here to WCC!”
“As a leader in closing the skilled trades gap by cultivating an educated and talented workforce, we are thrilled to receive the CCSTEP funding,” said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. “Our students will be working with the most sophisticated and innovative tools and technologies inherent in skilled trade jobs, which happen to be in-demand jobs. A skilled workforce is the key to long-term economic prosperity, not just for Washtenaw County, but for the state, the country and the world.”