Leonardo da Vinci is known for his contributions to art and scientific discovery. His legacy reveals an impact on humanity across time and cultures. Few may know that Vinci's contribution was based on practical skills, practical experience, and exploration of the field. His apprenticeship in the workshop laid the foundation for the practical application of his filigree and craftsmanship. Da Vinci practiced “interdisciplinary thinking” even before the term was known. In a sense, da Vinci elevated his work at the time by using everyday skills to create works that contribute to human well-being and quality of life.
In fall 2023, Colorado Mesa University renamed Western Colorado Community College to CMU Tech. CMU Tech offers more than 30 career and technical education programs that directly strengthen Western Colorado's workforce and provide a wealth of opportunities.
For students.
CMU's unique mission includes CMU Tech certifications and associate degrees with hands-on, hands-on training, stackable credentials that increase your earning power, traditional four-year degrees, and advanced degrees such as master's and doctoral degrees. Includes degree opportunities. While many institutions are fragmenting these services, CMU is elevating the trade and responding to the real needs of businesses and communities.
Frank Cardoza is a CMU Techland and Safety Engineer who is at the forefront of the relationship between industry and the communities they serve, leading CMU's efforts to reconnect people to the services they depend on for modern life. I praised it.
“There was a cultural disconnect between higher education and the needs of trade-related businesses and industries,” Cardoza said. “CMU Tech is the glue that helps bring the pieces together again.”
The founding of CMU Tech reflects CMU's understanding that traditional academic disciplines and emerging technology fields are different, but both play equally important roles in society.
“While there are employee reasons to expand trade services at CMU, the need to reintroduce the importance of trade to the community is part of the reason we launched Becoming CMU Tech,” said CMU President John Marshall. “It is a department,” he said. “There is nobility and meaning and art to be found in trade. When a welding qualification and his four-year degree in political science are considered of equal value, we realize our mission. I am confident that we are moving forward.”
“While there are employee reasons to expand trade services at CMU, the need to reintroduce the importance of trade to the community is part of the reason we launched Becoming CMU Tech.” – CMU Chairman , John Marshall
Change perceptions and improve trading
In the post-pandemic world, the true nature of trading has become clearer. Specialization and efficiency of transactions result in a reliable infrastructure. But natural disasters and rapid change demonstrate that the skills needed to sustain life are only as strong as the people trained to sustain it. CMU Tech's evolution conveys the importance of evaluating trades and shows what CMU calls his path to CMU Tech.
“Changing the names of career and technical programs offered by a university is one thing,” said Brigitte Schunderman, CMU vice president for technical education and workforce development. “It is also part of our mission to educate prospective students and businesses about our services and how it sustains a strong community.”
CMU Tech challenges the narrative surrounding trades, which have historically been viewed as less prestigious than four-year degree professions. The institution's focus on the latest technology, industry standards, and critical thinking skills is key.
Lighting Up Lives: Electrical Lineworker Program
Holy Cross Electric Association, Inc. was organized in 1939 and provides affordable, reliable electricity to customers throughout Colorado's Roaring Fork and Eagle River Valleys. The cooperative serves customers in some of the most remote and difficult locations in the country, including areas above 10,000 feet above sea level, making power supply and reliability challenging.
Holy Cross customers know they can rely on an army of power line workers on standby to keep the lights on, even in the harshest winter weather in the mountains. Power companies send riders to even the most remote areas, where line workers ride under the moonlight, sometimes on snowmobiles, to restore power when it's needed most.
“Late nights and difficult assignments are not unusual for our team,” said Holy Cross Glenwood Line manager James Ray. “Our lineworkers consider winter maintenance and emergency calls to be part of their daily routine to keep our customers safe, warm and happy.”
Beyond local reliability, CMU Tech's power lineman certification and associate of applied science degree contribute to the nation's power grid. Taken as a whole, the grid is an elegant and artistic feat of human ingenuity.
Logan Pike, an electrical wiring worker student at CMU Tech, focuses on his work in terms of how the profession can create a legacy.
“Line work and the work we do leaves a mark on the lives of others. What we do is seen by people, so what I do every day is often seen by the community. I want it to be seen as a job well done.”
Pike will receive financial support from Holy Cross to earn his lineworker certification and hopes to begin his career with the co-op.
The Art and Science of Metal Joining: Welding Technology Program
Several All-Metals Welding employees have been trained through CMU Tech's program, and the company is focused on hiring graduates of the program. Beyond technical proficiency, welders understand their craft as an art form. Many pieces have distinctive welds and styles, contributing to the community's public interest in his art.
Harlan Mosher, an All-Metals Welding employee and then-Mesa State University instructor, made his mark in the 1980s and '90s. Mosher works in the world of sculpture, fusing and shaping artwork that is currently scattered throughout Grand Junction. One of his most influential works, “The Gatekeeper,” is permanently installed at his Highway 24 roundabout outside Canyon View Park.
Shortly after construction of the CMU University Center (UC), All Metals created an existing modern shade structure for the outdoor seating area on the south side of the UC. These structures are strong and resilient in their design and enhance the aesthetics of the campus, showing that welding is as artistic as it is practical.
“CMU's efforts to improve trades such as welding help the public understand that our technology is more than just a skillset,” said Amos Bio, General Manager of All Metals. Schick said. “This country was built on the shoulders of welders and craftsmen. Our contributions are immeasurable and growing.”
“CMU's efforts to improve trades such as welding help the public understand that our craft is more than just a skill set.” – Amos Biocic, General Manager, All Metals
Architectural Community: Construction Technology Program
Graduates of Keara LaBonde's Construction Technology class are not only helping build new medical facilities and community centers across the Grand Valley, but they're also building connections, a valuable skill they learned along the way. As a construction technology instructor, networking and field-based training are both important priorities. She is intentional about creating professional development opportunities for students through collaboration and field trips to meet with superintendents.
“There are no restrictions on construction,” Labonde said. “There are no limits to what you can do, where you can live, or what jobs you can have.”
“In the construction industry,There are no limits here…Think about what you can do, where you live, and what jobs you can get. ” – Keara LaBonde, Construction Technology Technical Instructor
Stay comfortable in any climate: HVAC programs
For many people, parking in a warm garage and entering a comfortable home is an expectation of modern life. The people who ensure America's homes are cool in the summer and warm in the winter are graduates of CMU Tech's Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program.
Avalanche Heating, Cooling and Plumbing has been operating in the Grand Valley for over 18 years and has installed thousands of heating and cooling systems.
“Each system is unique and tailored to the building,” said Jim Ostrander, owner of Avalanche and supporter of CMU Tech's certified training program. “People appreciate the exterior beauty of a home, but the internal workings are just as complex and elegant. Our technicians ensure that one of the most obvious things he does. Basics of modern life: climate control. ”
From professional services to the industrial sector, the world increasingly relies on the skills of HVAC technicians and the technology that keeps people comfortable and productive.
Manufacturing precision: manufacturing and processing technology
CMU Tech's Manufacturing/Machining Technology program focuses on the precision of modern manufacturing. This program focuses on advanced machining techniques, materials understanding, and design and prepares students for a rapidly evolving field. CMU Tech's Sturm-ANB Bank Mobile Learning Lab is a facility designed to teach mechatronics, a skill that has far-reaching impacts such as maintaining modern vending machines on campus.
Harrison Dico-Jekot is a current student and appreciates the work of professionals such as architects and engineers who plan and prepare projects. He also appreciates that the certificate aspect of his education adds value to his skill set and qualifications as he pursues mechanical skills. Engineering degree and two technical certificates Field of manufacturing technology and mechanics.
“Planning and preparing is important, but the most exciting part is executing. I sketch out the big picture, build layers to display my work, and bring the project to life. We are also developing the practical skills needed to do so,” he said.
Economic and social impact
By reevaluating trade, CMU Tech is contributing to the diverse workforce essential to economic growth and innovation. Graduates are not only job-ready, but equipped to become industry leaders. This change empowers individuals and strengthens communities.
As the demand for technology skills increases, educational institutions like CMU Tech are becoming more important, developing skilled professionals and changing the way society views education and success. CMU Tech's certificate is a comprehensive, respected, and valuable educational achievement.
