Located at 2570 31st Street in Denver, the 33,280-square-foot facility will allow for an increase in enrollment in CCD’s manufacturing programs as well as add state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the educational experience. The Center began training students with the start of the fall semester this past September, and initial class enrollment for new students was up 28 percent over last fall. In addition to training new workers, it will provide training for incumbent workers for skills enhancement.

Over the next decade, nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will likely need to be filled due to the retirement of baby boomers and economic expansion. This skills gap is expected to result in two million jobs going unfilled. The new center will allow for CCD to train workers to fill that gap.

“CCD is offering training opportunities for good jobs with living wages,” said Everette Freeman, CCD President. “With average starting salaries for these jobs ranging $16 - $20 per hour, we know that we are not only training more workers, but helping to keep our Colorado economy vital.”

The grand opening will provide businesses, prospective students and community members with tours and demonstrations of state-of-the-art equipment. Colorado’s Lt. Governor Joe Garcia will be making remarks about the need for middle-skilled workers in the state, and CEO of Metro Denver Economic Development Tom Clark will also be making short remarks.

The Center was created in part with the help of a Colorado Helps Advanced Manufacturing Program (CHAMP) grant from the Department of Labor. The grant was awarded to Colorado community colleges with an ultimate goal of increasing the attainment of degrees and certifications in manufacturing. This effort is a substantial push to serve Colorado employers’ needs and to align future employees with industry-recognized skills and competencies. CCD was awarded $3,534,061.

Students who enroll at CCD can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in fabrication welding, machining or engineering graphics/mechanical design. The College also offers a variety of basic and advanced certificate programs that are stackable, meaning students can earn a certificate, start working right away while continuing on toward more advanced certificates or an associate’s degree.

And these degrees and certificates provide hands-on training opportunities in welding and machining starting with foundational courses and progressing to advanced manufacturing techniques.

As an added, all-important bonus, general education guaranteed transfer credits earned at CCD can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at any public four-year college or university in Colorado. Additionally, many times CCD students are eligible for internships or apprenticeships while still in school, thus increasing their earning potential.

About Community College of Denver

Community College of Denver (CCD) is an accredited two-year college and is one of 13 colleges in the Colorado Community College System. CCD offers over 100 degree and certification options, including workforce training, career planning and easy transfer to other state schools. CCD is the only two-year college in the nation that shares a campus and facilities with two four-year universities, giving our students access to the benefits of the vibrant Auraria campus, including a library, recreation and health centers, student union and other amenities. With its dynamic international student population and as a Hispanic Serving Institution, CCD welcomes students from all over the globe.

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, students have easy access to all of the cultural and entertainment activities that Denver has to offer. As an accredited institution, most classes offered at CCD easily transfer to other state schools. Tuition is affordable, and financial aid and scholarships are available. CCD has an open-door admission policy and accepts applicants 17 years of age or older. Day, evening, weekend, and online classes are available year round.

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