A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday to mark the official grand opening of the College of the Canyons (COC) interim Advanced Technology Center in Santa Clarita.

The COC Advanced Technology Center is a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) production lab that will prepare students for high-skill jobs in advanced manufacturing, welding, and construction technologies, according to COC officials.

Attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included local dignitaries, including the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook, Congressman Mike Garcia (R-Santa Clarita) and local business leaders, as well as COC staff, administrators, and students.

“I was able to secure a total of $2 million in earmarks for their brand new equipment that students will use to learn advanced manufacturing skills on state-of-the-art technology,” Garcia later said in a Tweet. “This will also have an immediate and positive impact on the workforce gap in the national security space that’s so crucial in making CA-27 home to Aerospace Valley.”

The 13,500-square-foot facility is expected to house simulation and full production-type machining centers to prepare students for stackable industry-recognized credentials and demonstrate the necessary workforce readiness skills as they work toward degree attainment.

The interim ATC site is scheduled to open for classes in fall 2023.