SLCC's 121,000-square-foot Westpointe Center to address workforce training/education issues

Salt Lake Community College has unveiled a new 121,000-square-foot facility designed to support the community by providing education and training in key industries that are critical to the region’s economic success. Utah lawmakers, along with industry, business and education leaders, received their first glimpse of the Westpointe Workforce Training & Education Center during a grand opening celebration recently.{mprestriction ids="1,3"}

Located in Salt Lake City’s industrial Northwest Quadrant near Salt Lake City International Airport, Westpointe will offer training in trades including welding, machining, diesel systems technology, injection molding, composites manufacturing, commercial driving and other high-demand fields. The center houses eight classrooms, 34 lab spaces and a 3-acre lot for commercial truck driving, along with more than 100 welding bays, a large diesel maintenance facility and an injection molding lab.

“I need this as a father,” said Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes, gesturing to the Westpointe building behind him during the ceremony. “I need to have a state where I know my children will have good jobs and will be able to raise families. It’s things like today, moments like today, that are going to make sure we have those opportunities.”

Utah Governor’s Office Education Advisor Tami Pyfer said she was not prepared when she took the job more than four years ago for the “enormity” of the gap in supply of a skilled workforce. “I’m so pleased with what we’re seeing happening in this state and an increased emphasis on technical education,” Pyfer said. “Let me tell you, technical education is for everyone.”

“At Westpointe, students will receive hands-on education and experience in a number of important trades,” said SLCC President Deneece G. Huftalin. “It will not only be a boon to students but also to our region by allowing us to maintain our economic prosperity through the development of a top-notch workforce.” {/mprestriction}