U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Democrat representing Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, toured the manufacturing technology classrooms and labs at Central Oregon Community College’s Redmond campus with COCC president Greg Pereira and other college officials for an up-close look at the soon-to-expand location.
“I would stand Central Oregon Community College up against anyone when it comes to training a skilled, confident, driven workforce,” said Bynum. “They need our continued support, and I’ll take that fight to Congress any day of the week. Keep it up.”
Coinciding with a major remodel of its manufacturing technology center beginning this year, a recent grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, totaling $2,187,923, is being used to develop short-term certificates for manufacturing technology with regional workforce needs in mind. It was one of just 22 such grants designated for colleges and universities nationwide in 2026.
“More students will be able to enroll in the COCC manufacturing certificate and degree programs as industry growth in Redmond and other communities develops,” said Amy Ward, director of the Redmond campus. Oregon’s welding workforce, for instance, is expected to jump by 15% between 2022-32, estimates the U.S. Department of Labor.
The remodel and major addition to the manufacturing technology center, originally built in 2001, is growing capacity and adding upgraded equipment for futures in machining, welding, fabrication and computer numerical control operations. Classes and trainings will continue during construction; completion is expected as early as winter term 2028.
The estimated $8 million project will combine $4 million from COCC general funds and a matching grant from Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
