College poised for SGL training

MOSES LAKE — Adding new classes or utilizing current services at Big Bend Community College could be among the training options for future employees at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers plant.

College President Bill Bonaudi discussed the possibilities Wednesday with the Columbia Basin Herald.

He expects the company will need employees at several different levels, including entry-level workers.

The new company is expected to add about 80 jobs at first and increase to roughly 200 jobs at full completion.

Groundbreaking is set for June.

The jobs were described by officials as manufacturing, family-wage jobs during a news conference announcing the project Tuesday in Seattle.

Further details about job descriptions and pay ranges weren’t released.

“We’re anxious to provide training,” Bonaudi commented. “They are very anxious to talk with us about it.”

“Fundamentally, we’re looking forward to sitting down with SGL and understand what their training requirements are,” he said.

The college could be adding new classes.

Training related to carbon fiber technology is offered at Edmonds Community College, he said.

“We understand, there’s several stages in carbon fiber technology,” he said. “Their program may not be at the same stage the SGL plant will be at.”

If applicable, Big Bend could speak to colleagues at Edmonds to view their program and borrow their expertise, he said.

The college would require financial assistance if the company required more than preemployment training.

“If we needed more equipment and scenarios, we would need more help than the current funding,” Bonaudi commented.

The college currently participates in a Preemployment Training Program (PET) geared toward entry level workers with other local organizations and businesses.

The PET program curriculum includes instruction on computer technology, communication, general food manufacturing, safety, environmental health, math, personal development, time management and resumé writing.

“We have a great deal of experience in preemployment training, in making sure people have skills necessary to be good employees,” he says.

“It’s the specialized training we’ll rely on SGL to help us with.”

Bonaudi attended Tuesday’s news conference, where it was announced a BMW parts plant was being built in Moses Lake.

The facility makes carbon fiber used for BMW’s upcoming Megacity vehicle.

“It’s very positive,” he said. “It’s something that is well-deserved by this community. A lot of work by many people behind the scene. It’s nice to see that hard work pay off.”