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Western Wyoming Community College expands electrical and instrumentation training in Evanston, eyes industry partnerships
Summary
Western Wyoming Community College told the council it will launch an expanded electrical and instrumentation program in Evanston this fall, supported by WHIP grants, a recent $3 million EDA award and state capital funds; student cost is about $11,500 and employers have pledged scholarships and equipment.
Amy Murphy, representing Western Wyoming Community College, described an expansion of electrical and instrumentation (E&I) training to Evanston designed to meet regional employer demand. The council heard that the program includes power line, substation, instrumentation and cyber components and ties to local industry needs, including the planned Natrium energy facility.
The college said the Evanston program was seeded by the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WHIP) and a $1 million state expansion award and that the Rock Springs campus received a $3 million Economic Development Administration award (with the state committing roughly half of the capital improvement funds) to construct and renovate health‑science space tied to workforce training. Western described strong employer partnerships — Rocky Mountain Power and local utilities provided equipment, classroom space and on‑site installation support — and said these commitments reduce startup costs and improve placement prospects.
Amy gave program details: cohorts began with seven students (first cohort all employed), a second cohort of roughly 15 had most participants employed, and the fall 2024 expansion will run two cohorts. She estimated the tuition and fees to complete the E&I pathway at approximately $11,500 (not including books) at current rates, and said many employers are offering scholarships and sponsorships that cover student costs. "We've had a lot of employers come forward and they are actually funding students to go through the program," she said.
The Evanston site includes hands‑on labs (bench spaces for 14 students in the initial classroom), a tank‑farm robotics/training setup, and plans for CDL and soft‑skill supports and career services to connect students to employers. Amy said the program is intentionally aligned to regional projects (substations, power line work, mining dependents and the Natrium facility) to maximize local placement opportunities.
Why it matters: The expansion addresses an immediate employer demand for electrical and substation technicians and aims to place graduates locally through employer partnerships and on‑site career services. Cost and start‑date details give councils, local officials and employers the information needed to coordinate funding and recruitment.
Next steps noted: the Evanston program will start in fall 2024, the college will continue to seek pending grant funding to complete buildout of advanced labs, and staff at the Evanston site will assist with enrollment and financial aid.
