College receives state grant for equipment and training.

VICTORY TWP. – A state grant announced by Gov. Rick Snyder yesterday will provide money for state-of-the-art equipment and training at West Shore Community College.

The college was one of 18 community colleges chosen and will receive $424,000 in funding for new skilled trades equipment. WSCC will provide $147,000 in matching funds.

The money will purchase equipment used in several programs, including welding, nursing, and protective services.

Announced by Snyder in October, the $50 million grant program was created to provide funding that enables Michigan community colleges to purchase equipment required for educational programs in high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand occupations.

“We are positioning Michigan to become the national leader in developing talent,” Snyder said. “This serious investment — one of the largest of its kind in the country – will tap our top-notch community colleges and help new students and adults looking for new opportunities gain the skills sought by companies looking to grow and expand, creating more and better jobs in Michigan.”

“One of our strategic goals is to provide the best skilled-trade training and collaborate in regional efforts that supports local business, industry and economic development as a whole. We are grateful to the governor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for helping us fulfill our mission,” said Scott Ward, interim president of the college.

Skilled-trade jobs typically require education beyond high school, along with on-the-job training, but not a four-year degree.

The career range for grant awards included jobs in health care, maintenance and repair, public safety, manufacturing, along with work as carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Collectively, these jobs represent about one-third of the state’s employment base.

College officials said they intend to have the new equipment purchased and installed by the end of the fall 2015 semester.