Community Colleges Key to State's Manufacturing Future

Clark responds to growing workforce needs with Advanced Manufacturing program

By Dr. Terry Brown

Student in a welding mask welding material with blue sparks flying up

Note: This article was first published on Dr. Brown's LinkedIn profile.

At Clark College, we are deeply invested in training students for tomorrow’s workforce—especially in the fast-growing field of Advanced Manufacturing.

High-tech and advanced manufacturing involve cutting-edge technologies and complex systems that integrate robotics, mechanics, and automation. These advancements increase efficiency, streamline production, and power the creation of high-tech products like computer chips, electric vehicles, and clean energy components.

Why Advanced Manufacturing Jobs Are in Demand in Washington

Washington is one of the top states for semiconductor manufacturing, especially here in Southwest Washington. Manufacturing accounts for more than 11% of our state’s gross product and employs nearly 300,000 people.

To strengthen this vital sector, the legislature passed the Building Economic Strength Through Manufacturing (BEST) Act in 2021, setting a goal of doubling the state's manufacturing base by 2031, with a focus on equity. Subsequent legislation introduced tax incentives and streamlined siting and permitting to accelerate the in-state production of clean energy product manufacturing.

Nationally, demand for skilled high-tech manufacturing jobs continues to grow, fueled in large part by the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which aims to reestablish U.S. leadership in semiconductor production, secure supply chains, and bolster national and economic security.

Community colleges like Clark play a key role in this ecosystem, building the pipeline for a well-trained, locally rooted workforce ready to meet these challenges.

A New Hub for Workforce Innovation

To meet the region’s growing workforce needs, Clark College has opened a new Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms in Ridgefield, Washington, located in the Discovery Corridor—an emerging hub for industry and commerce along Interstate 5.

Our new Advanced Manufacturing program will give students hands-on experience and in-demand skills to thrive in this evolving field.

Group of students posing in front of new Advanced Manufacturing building

Pictured: Clark's Advanced Manufacturing and other students first day of fall 2025 classes at Boschma Farms

Clark’s Advanced Manufacturing Program

We welcomed our first cohort of Advanced Manufacturing students on September 22, 2025. This new program joins our Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Area of Study, which includes:

The two-year program leads to an Associate of Applied Technology as an Integrated Technician, with coursework in applied materials sciences, robotics, welding and fabrication, and systems integration. Students will gain experience across multiple manufacturing types—manual, additive, and subtractive.

Graduates from Clark’s technical programs have launched their careers with regional and global employers such as Intel, Amazon, Columbia Machine, SEH America, nLight, Kyocera, TSMC (formerly Wafertech), Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), and many more.

Celebrating National Manufacturing Month

In recognition of National Manufacturing Month this October, Clark College will host two events to connect students, educators, and industrial professionals and showcase career opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Powering Local Workforce Growth

The opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms marks a milestone—not only for Clark College, but for our entire region. Community colleges are uniquely positioned to respond to local workforce needs, working hand-in-hand with employers to develop programs that align with real industry demand. By offering hands-on, relevant training close to home, Clark College helps students gain the skills needed to thrive in high-demand fields while strengthening the economic vitality of Southwest Washington.

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Story by Dr. Terry Brown, Vice President of Instruction