A trade school program in Cheyenne, Wyoming, focused on training the next generation of welders and diesel mechanics is expanding with the help of Union Pacific Railroad.
A $300,000 investment from Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program is helping Laramie County Community College (LCCC) upgrade its welding tools, expand its curriculum and introduce a new mobile welding lab to their students.
“This is more than just a financial boost,” said Jill Koslosky, dean of the college’s School of Business, Agriculture and Technical Studies. “It’s a symbol of two forces for good coming together for the betterment of our community and the future of workforce development.”
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The partnership is a natural fit – Union Pacific is a major employer in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and a key partner in the college’s Guided Pathways Initiative, which is focused on helping students progress from beginner to expert in welding and diesel mechanics.
“There is a long history of partnership between LCCC and Union Pacific. This alliance represents another great chapter in our continued commitment to the community and the region,” said Nathan Anderson, senior director-Public Affairs. “Together, we are driving an engine of opportunity, nurturing talent and ensuring the future is skilled and bright.”
The program’s size has increased threefold over the last five years, so this timely equipment refresh will make an immediate impact. LCCC plans to grow another 50% by 2026.
The new mobile welding lab is a key part of this refresh and serve dual purposes. First, it offers flexible, on-the-go training, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in settings outside a traditional classroom. Second, the lab will act as a roving ambassador for the program, attracting potential students during community engagement and recruitment events.
Workforce Development is one of the key giving priorities for the railroad’s Community Ties Giving Program, which helped fund this regional partnership project. Students who graduate from the mobile welding center's program are eligible for a variety of positions at Union Pacific.
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