Industrial Technology

Nearly 20 percent of bond funds, or $16 million, would be used to construct a dedicated technology building. Chemeketa's existing technology buildings predate the creation of the college in 1970. While grants and donations have kept students working with the most up-to-date technologies, the college has run out of places to house this equipment. The 40,000-square-foot technology facility would be used by students in fields such as welding, electronics, and manufacturing, to work in close proximity and gain a fuller understanding of their roles in promising fields like nanotechnology.

Workforce Trends-Networking and electronics

Future welders will have excellent job opportunities, as some welding employers continue to report difficulty finding trained workers.
Job opportunities for mechanics are expected to be very good for those who complete high school or postsecondary automotive training programs and who earn ASE certification. Those without formal automotive training are likely to face competition for entry-level jobs.
The explosive use of computers has created demand for specialists who provide advice to users, as well as for the day-to-day administration, maintenance, and support of computer systems and networks.
Certifications and practical experience in networking and electronics fields, like the ones provided by Chemeketa, are essential for people without degrees.
Demand for computer security specialists will grow as businesses and government continue to invest heavily in "cyber security," protecting vital computer networks and electronic infrastructures from attack.
Employment of computer support specialists and systems administrators is expected to increase faster than the average.
These occupations are expected to add 155,000 jobs over the projection decade.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics