Rexburg business leaders working to get advanced technology education program up and running

High tech manufacturing is a booming business across eastern Idaho as well as across the country. Yet for all the job openings, many employers in these tech based manufacturing fields can’t find enough workers.

“We see a lot of demand, a lot of openings in advanced manufacturing specifically, but not a lot of workforce going into that,” said Scott Johnson, the Director of Economic Development for Rexburg.

That’s why the Madison County Economic Partnership is looking to use a $25 thousand grant, as well as over $300 thousand worth of money and services, to create a new training program in Rexburg.

“Ultimately we would like to have a place where people could come in, and where they could learn about STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math based programs) through casual learning. Some projects based learning courses that cover all of the STEM areas,” said Brandon Moffat of the Department of Labor.

Moffat said the program is geared towards teaching people advanced difficult skills, but ones that don’t necessarily require a pricey college degree. “Advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, welding, computer programming, classes like that will be taught” said Moffat.

Many within the business community are excited about the prospects of a more tech educated workforce, but a few more things have to happen first before the program is finalized. “We need to make sure that all the partners are on board,” said Johnson. “We also need to look at how this is going to be sustained long term. We don’t want this to be a short term one-and-done type scenario. So we’re really looking at how do we make sure this continues.”

If the approval process moves quickly, the first classes could start as soon as October. If that doesn’t happen, they hope to start classes come January.