OLEAN, N.Y. -- Jamestown Community College this week took the wraps off its new $6 million Manufacturing Technology Institute at its Olean campus.
"It's extremely gratifying. It opens up a completely new avenue of education for us here in Cattaraugus County," said Cory Duckworth, Jamestown Community College President.
The 20,000 square-foot facility is equipped with large classrooms and lab space, as well as areas for local entrepreneurs to develop new prototypes. The program offers classes in heavy machinery, 3-D printing and welding, as part of the region's leading industry.
"For us to be able to provide education for that sector so it has the ability to staff itself up with a qualified workforce is absolutely crucial," said Duckworth.
"We start at the ground up and take them up through some pretty advanced processes," said Jeffrey Teluck, JCC Engineering Science and Technologies Director.
Instructors say students can earn certificates after one year or go on to complete a two-year associates degree. They start out learning the basic manual skills and tools of the trade.
"Machining, that would be blueprint reading. That would be metrology and measurement systems. And we take them from there up through the advanced processes," said Teluck.
"Creating opportunities for generations to come," said John Sayegh, JCC Cattaraugus Campus and Center for Continuing Ed., VP.
Leaders say several local manufacturers have pledged more than $300,000 in scholarship money for students enrolled in the program. The goal is to keep them in the area once they're trained, to build the workforce of the future, and help boost the economy.
"We provide them with a purpose and a reason to stay, and raise families here and become active contributing citizens of this county and this region," said Sayegh.
An official ribbon cutting is planned for Sept. 15.