SIOUX CITY, IA -
Good economic news is changing the face of community college in Siouxland.
Western Iowa Tech has teamed up with Sabre Communications to help train students for more specific types of welding and industrial jobs.
"What we find is our partners challenge us to think differently, and they challenge us to act differently, and in doing that, we're able to make much better opportunities for our students, and hopefully much better opportunities for our partners," said WITCC President Dr. Terry Murrell.
Sabre will begin construction on an expanded building in Southbridge Industrial Park and they're hoping a partnership with WIT will help them fill the company's added positions.
Leaders say a project like this is good for everyone involved.
"The more industrial type jobs are coming back, and we don't have people trained for that right now, and that's why it's exciting, the partnership with WIT, because they understand that better than anybody else," said Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott.
WIT students are just as enthusiastic about the partnership.
"Just this week, we've done everything from the welding symbols to the blueprinting, how to read them. Next week, we're all excited, we get to start the actual welding process," said student Justin Coon.
Sabre's $28 million expansion should be complete by early next year.
