The Future of Advanced Manufacturing

Clark College is constructing an Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at our newest campus at Boschma Farms in Ridgefield to meet area manufacturing partners’ current and future workforce needs. The AMC will house the new Advanced Manufacturing Technician program, which integrates welding, mechatronics, robotics, automation, and machining. Stackable credentials will meet current and emerging industry needs for high-quality advanced manufacturing technicians at all stages of the career pathway. Also, incorporating automated technology, Clark’s Program is designed to produce highly efficient products, reduce lead times, and use reduced raw materials.

Increased Industry Demand

The Portland Metro area faces a significant shortage of entry-level and skilled advanced manufacturing workers. Each year, the number of new advanced manufacturing jobs created is more than double that of students graduating with relevant degrees.

Higher than-average growth is projected in advanced manufacturing companies in the United States. In 2020, the Portland Metro area had 3,499 manufacturing establishments in the region with over 120,000 jobs, 23% higher than the national average for the region’s size. In 2022 manufacturing payroll passed $1 billion in Clark County, according to data from the Washington Employment Security Department.

Hear from esteemed faculty and staff as well as community partners about the new Clark College Advanced Manufacturing Center opening at Boschma Farms in Ridgefield, WA in 2025!

In order of appearance:

Dr. William “Terry” Brown: Vice President of Instruction at Clark College

Jay Schmidt: Board Chair, High-Tech Council

Dr. Karin Edwards: President of Clark College

Carl Douglas: Director of the Center of Excellence for Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing.

Building Opening Spring of 2025

The first building at Boschma Farms at Clark College is expected to be completed towards the end of this year. Clark College will be accepting the keys to the building in November and continue to furnish and equip the building in preparation for our first students. General education classes are anticipated to be offered in Spring of 2025 while the Advanced Manufacturing program is undergoing the approval process, pending NWCCU approval.