Stronger Families. Stronger Communities. Stronger Washington

Today, the Centralia College Foundation broke ground on the Southwest Washington Flexible Training (SWFT) Center, a 12,000 square foot building that will be operational by the end of 2020.

The SWFT Center features two large classrooms, a large “open space” to allow specialized machinery and equipment to be brought in for training on Centralia College campus, and a mobile training classroom.

A cornerstone to any successful community is a quality education. Whether college bound or career ready, the College Foundation wants to prepare our students and adults seeking a second careers to be successful in the workforce and in the changing global economy. The SWFT Center will help make sure students interested in trade careers will have every opportunity to train, be successful, and follow their passion right here in our community.

Peter Abbarno is President of the Centralia College Foundation and candidate for the State House of Representatives in the 20th Legislative District.

The Centralia College Foundation received a $1.3 million TransAlta Coal Transitions Grant to help the Foundation construct the SWFT Center. The facility will be available for training programs for local industry, trade associations, community groups, K-12 education, and Centralia College programs.

Like the namesake of the Centralia College mascot, Blazer Bill. The College and Foundation are blazing a trail of opportunity for our students and community. Our staff worked with schools and employers to identify workforce needs. Rather than merely talk about workforce and education solutions, the College and Foundation are creating solutions that will likely be modeled throughout the State and Country. Everyone should be very proud of this project.

Peter Abbarno is President of the Centralia College Foundation and candidate for the State House of Representatives in the 20th Legislative District.
Members of the TansAlta Coal Transition Board, with Lewis County Commissioners, and Centralia College Foundation Board President Peter Abbarno.

Training at the SWFT Center will focus on vocational and technical courses needed to assist current or future employees and will be specific to local industry needs. The Foundation is seeking additional funds to outfit this facility with basic equipment and tools vital to support the anticipated training programs. To learn more about supporting the SWFT Center and the Centralia College Foundation, visit http://foundation.centralia.edu/

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