A growing labor shortage, largely driven by the retirement of skilled tradespeople, continues to challenge employers across western Colorado. As experienced workers leave the field, the need for new talent as well as accessible, affordable training for current employees has never been more urgent.
Fortunately, a new fleet of mobile learning labs is helping meet that need. Designed to bring training directly to communities and businesses, CMU Tech is delivering career and technical education where it’s needed most — on-site.
One local employer who recently took advantage of the program was John Steigerwald with Leitner-Poma of America. He had been searching for upskilled training options for his installation department but wasn’t having much luck, that is, until a call came in from CMU Tech.
On that call, Steigerwald learned that CMU Tech operates three mobile learning labs focused on specific industries — mechatronics, allied health and welding. It was the welding lab that caught his attention. Leitner-Poma designs, manufactures and installs various types of ropeway systems, and while welding isn’t something the installation team does every day, it is occasionally required on the job. The chance to get a full week of hands-on instruction without leaving their facility was exactly the kind of training he had been hoping to find.
“For us to get a week where we can sit down and practice and get good feedback in the moment is what we needed,” said Steigerwald. “CMU Tech pulled up, dropped the trailer and that was it. It was about 10 minutes worth of set up. We didn’t have to give up shop space. We didn’t need supplies or tools or welding materials. They showed up, dropped off the lab and we were rolling.”
When Steigerwald first offered the team a chance to participate in the customized training, he wasn’t sure what kind of response he’d get.
“We reached out to a number of employees to see who would be available and not a single one said no. They all wanted to show up, they are all very eager to learn. Our guys always want to learn new things, our job is really varied so getting another topic that they can work on and get good at was exciting for them,” said Steigerwald.
CMU Tech Welding Instructor Bill Campbell was the instructor on site providing the training. A faculty member since 2012, Campbell knows both the industry and how to teach it. Throughout the week, he monitored the crew’s progress and gave real-time feedback to help them adjust and fine-tune their technique.
“I think the lab is a great opportunity for employers, our school and the local welding community to get some training on site,” said Campbell. “It means a lot to me to contribute to the welding community in this way. To give back is part of the spirit of education, it’s to further the growth of our community and that’s what we’re out here doing.”
CMU is on a mission to elevate the trades by highlighting the hands that do the work, and the mobile learning labs are a tangible example of just that.
As Colorado’s labor force continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between CMU Tech and Leitner-Poma are showing what’s possible when education meets people where they are. By delivering training that’s flexible, focused and built around the needs of local industries, CMU Tech’s mobile labs are helping companies invest in their employees and in the future of skilled trades across western Colorado.
