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Valley Community College. The college worked with local businesses to create programs that would prepare students for the jobs available here in technol- ogy and manufacturing, which often go hand in hand.
According to the college, three pro- grams in advanced manufacturing – machining, electronics, and industrial maintenance – have attracted many stu- dents, with 51 earning credentials since the programs started in 2013.
While it is still di cult to quantify the number of students using their cer- ti cations for local jobs – many used one program to springboard into other aca- demic areas – there have been successes.
Greg Smith, general manager at Thompson Precision machining and fabrication, said he hired Andy Witte straight out of the college program and has been pleased with Witte’s abilities.
“The guy is just a bright rising star,” Smith said. “He’s actually gotten four dollars of increased pay per hour since he hired on.”
Machining at the shop is very tech- nical, since it’s largely computer con- trolled, but there’s still room for artis- tic inspiration, Smith said. So when Witte brought his skills from FVCC,
the talented machinists in the shop were able to teach him with real-world experience.
“We’re completely pleased. I think the proof’s in the pudding with his raise. He hasn’t been here a year yet. I think that is the most telling thing you can say,” Smith said. “He was positioned per- fectly to work with the other artists and machinists here.”
Another challenge for attracting labor to the tech industry is Montana’s relative geographical isolation. Barkey said it was ironic that tech is one indus- try that doesn’t have to be de ned by geography, but the people within it tend to group together.
The Flathead is one of the hotbeds for tech development in Montana right now, he said, along with Gallatin County.
At Thompson Precision, Smith said his company is lucky to have found some- one like Witte, who works hard and is self-motivated, and he believes there are more workers like that out there, needing the education to build successful careers.
“Those people who are willing to go to school and pay their money and take a two-year vocational class completely of their own volition shows some where- withal,” Smith said. “I’m thinking that we will have more opportunities to hire people from FVCC.”
mpriddy@ atheadbeacon.com
TRANSACTIONS WEEKLY BUSINESS BRIEFING WHITEFISH CREDIT UNION OPENS NEW
MARCH 30, 2016 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
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KALISPELL BRANCH
White sh Credit Union has announced the planned opening of its newest branch, a second location in south Kalispell.
The new building will be located at 1825 U.S. High- way 93 S, and will have 2,861 square feet, along with two teller windows and one drive-up windows. Several loan o cers will also be on site to assist with members’ borrowing needs.
WCU Vice President of Operations Colleen Murphy said the new location will help better serve the needs of its burgeoning membership in the area.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to serve the South Kalis- pell Business corridor and to broaden services for members residing between Polson and Kalispell,” Murphy said.
The credit union added a new operations center in Kalispell last sum- mer. For more information, visit white shcu.com.
Opening, moving or expanding a business in Northwest Montana? If you would like to be featured in “Transactions,” please email information to news@ atheadbeacon.com
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