EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson visited Lane Community College (LCC) on November 13 to observe the ongoing construction of the college’s new Industry and Trades Education Center (ITEC). This visit underscores the state's commitment to fostering a skilled workforce and supporting technical education.
Commissioner Stephenson, Oregon's 11th Labor Commissioner, has a deep-rooted connection with the state, having grown up in rural Oregon and witnessing the growth of her parents' small business. Her professional journey, from running her own law practice focused on workers' rights to her current role, aligns closely with the mission of ITEC – to empower Oregon's workforce through education and skill development.
During her visit, Commissioner Stephenson toured the site of the future 55,353 square foot facility, which is currently under construction on LCC’s main campus. The ITEC, a three-story building, is designed to be a hub for workforce and advanced technology training. It will feature high-bay industrial spaces, state-of-the-art classrooms, apprenticeship training laboratories, and an interdisciplinary fabrication laboratory. The Commissioner expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting its potential to significantly contribute to local economic growth and workforce development.
The ITEC is set to house a variety of instructional programs and services, including Apprenticeship Training, Aviation Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Construction Technology, Manufacturing Technology, and faculty and student advising offices. The interdisciplinary fabrication laboratory is a highlight, promising to provide flexible learning spaces equipped with contemporary tools and teaching methods.
A notable aspect of the ITEC is its commitment to sustainability. The building aims for a minimum LEED Silver certification by the USGBC and is designed with a roof optimized for future solar panel installation. This aligns with Oregon's broader environmental goals and the college's commitment to sustainability.
The total project, amounting to $49.5 million, is part of a larger $121.5 million bond approved by voters in May 2020. Hennebery Eddy Architects have been instrumental in designing the ITEC, while Lease Crutcher Lewis Construction is managing the construction.
Commissioner Stephenson's visit highlights the importance of such educational facilities in bridging the gap between skilled labor demand and supply. The ITEC, slated for completion in Winter 2024, stands as a beacon of progress in technical education and workforce development in Oregon. The project is the most expensive capital investment in the history of the main campus.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.