REDMOND, Ore. – Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is set to break ground next week on a major expansion of its manufacturing technology facilities at the Redmond campus. The ceremony, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., will be open to the public and will feature College President Greg Pereira, faculty, students and local industry partners.
Project details and local impact
The $8 million project will remodel the existing 34,300‑square‑foot labs built in 2001 and add a 6,500‑square‑foot build‑out. The upgrades include larger computer‑numerical‑control (CNC) labs, expanded welding and fabrication spaces, and new classrooms for product design and quality control. Students will train on equipment that mirrors what local manufacturers use, helping to close the skilled‑worker gap.
“The goal is really about meeting the demand for manufacturing,” said President Pereira. “Central Oregon, and Redmond in particular, is seeing an abundance of new jobs in manufacturing, growth and homebuilding. COCC is at the forefront of where that education is going.”
Workforce demand driving the expansion
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Oregon’s welding workforce is projected to grow 15 % between 2022 and 2032. COCC has already reported a 12 % increase in enrollment for its manufacturing degrees and certificates this term. Instructional Outreach Dean Cindy Lenhart noted that local employers are facing urgent shortages in skilled roles such as welding, machining, industrial maintenance and quality control, many of which offer strong wages and long‑term career pathways.
Funding and partners
The project will be funded by $4 million from COCC’s general fund matched by a grant from Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Additional financing will come from a $2.2 million federal grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, one of only 22 such grants nationwide. The grant will also support hiring faculty, purchasing equipment and improving data systems for Workforce Pell Grant eligibility.
COCC’s board of directors approved a guaranteed maximum price of $5,488,544 to SunWest Builders at its Oct. 14 meeting. Steele and Associates Architecture and Morrison‑Maierle Engineering have completed permit plans, which have been submitted to the City of Redmond for review.
Community involvement
The groundbreaking event underscores the college’s partnership with local industry and its commitment to preparing Redmond’s workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. Residents and interested parties are invited to attend and learn more about the upcoming facilities.
For more information, contact Amy Ward, Redmond campus director, at 541‑504‑2902.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
