Medford, OR – A new initiative, Future Ready Oregon, is set to provide students from rural and low-income communities with opportunities to pursue high-wage careers in Oregon’s manufacturing sector. Launched by Umpqua Community College (UCC), the program seeks to address educational and employment barriers for students across various grade levels, from elementary through college.
The program will select 100 students from disadvantaged communities to participate in a series of programs, including competitive paid internships, mentorship opportunities, scholarships, workshops, and workplace tours. These initiatives are designed to help participants gain the skills and experience needed to enter some of Oregon’s most in-demand manufacturing fields.
Upon completion of the program, students will be equipped to earn family-supporting wages in four primary sectors: engineering, forestry, mechatronics, and welding. These fields are critical to Oregon’s economy, and the program aims to fill a growing need for skilled workers in these areas.
In collaboration with several local partners, including Roseburg Public Schools and major manufacturers, UCC aims to provide students with real-world experience and mentorship. Participating companies include:
- Con-Vey, an industrial automation provider based in Roseburg.
- North River Boats, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of heavy-gauge aluminum boats.
- Orenco Systems, a research and manufacturing company specializing in decentralized wastewater collection and treatment technologies.
- Roseburg Forest Products, a leading wood products manufacturer.
UCC’s Dean of Instruction, Danielle Haskett, announced the program’s backing with a $500,000 Manufacturing Workforce Ready Grant from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, which will support the program’s efforts as part of the college’s broader Career Ready Umpqua initiative.
Haskett emphasized that the program is an important step in addressing the skills gap in Oregon’s manufacturing sector. “By removing barriers to education and employment, Future Ready Oregon will not only support the students but also strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness,” she said. “The initiative will help develop a more diverse workforce that can meet the growing demand for skilled labor in critical industries.”
The Future Ready Oregon program reflects a growing focus on creating pathways to well-paying, sustainable careers for students in communities that might otherwise lack access to these opportunities. Through hands-on experiences and local partnerships, the program aims to build a stronger, more resilient workforce for Oregon’s manufacturing industries.