Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) - Brian Irwin, Colby Williamson & Tyrel Quantrell, CGCC grads and current GE Renewable Energy employees; CGCC President Dr. Marta Yera Cronin

In this episode, host Marc Goldberg interviews three graduates from Columbia Gorge Community College’s Electro-Mechanical Technology program, who are all currently employed at General Electric (GE) Renewable Energy. Brian Irwin, a site supervisor, and Colby Williamson, a wind turbine technician, speak to how valuable the hands-on, practical education and training was at CGCC while also sharing their perspectives on the quality of their jobs and careers at GE. Senior services manager, Tyrel Quantrell, highlights the benefits of partnering with the college, participating in CGCC's program advisory committee and offering work-based learning opportunities. 

Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, the president of Columbia Gorge Community College, reflects on the interviews and discusses different ways the college advances racial equity and economic mobility by prioritizing job quality within the college and working with employers to advance good jobs and careers in the region. She also elaborates on how Future Ready Oregon 2022  and other state funding can assist the college in developing new programs that are responsive to changing industry skill sets and occupations. 

The All In: Student Pathways Forward podcast is a part of Oregon’s participation in the National Skills Coalition SkillSPAN network.