Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) is preparing to break ground on a major expansion of its Construction Trades program at the Douglas Campus, marking a significant step toward strengthening skilled workforce training in Converse County and beyond. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. at the campus located at 800 South Wind River Drive in Douglas.
College officials say the project represents one of the most meaningful investments in hands-on technical education the campus has made in recent years. The expansion will add new instructional areas, modern equipment, and upgraded lab space designed to give students real-world learning experiences that mirror current industry standards.
“This expansion marks a major step forward for our institution and our region,” said EWC President Dr. Jeffry Hawes. “By creating state-of-the-art facilities for our construction trades students, we are investing in the future of Douglas and the surrounding communities, helping them build their careers and build Wyoming.”
The project aligns with Wyoming’s ongoing efforts to grow its talent pipeline and support sectors that continue to face labor shortages, including carpentry, framing, heavy equipment operation, welding and general construction. With the new facilities, EWC expects to increase enrollment capacity and better serve both traditional students and adult learners seeking retraining or upskilling.
Campus leaders noted that the Douglas area has seen increasing demand from employers for graduates with technical abilities. Modernizing the Construction Trades program will help meet that need while also creating stronger partnerships with local contractors, public agencies, and industrial employers.
“We’re excited to see the expansion of our campus. The new space will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in the construction trades. Our hope is that this will fuel the local workforce and support industry growth in Converse County.” said Dr. Margaret Farley, Vice President of the Douglas Campus.
In addition to new classroom and shop areas, the expansion is expected to include improvements that allow students to work on larger, more complex construction projects directly on campus. These enhancements will broaden the curriculum and give faculty additional tools for training future trades professionals.
Community members, regional employers, and media outlets are invited to attend the ceremony, which will include short remarks from college leadership, a ceremonial “first dig”, and multiple opportunities for photos with faculty, students, and local officials. Parking, directional signage, and designated media areas will be available on-site.
The event underscores EWC's longtime commitment to vocational and trades education—a commitment that has supported Wyoming’s economy for generations. College leaders say that as construction, energy, and infrastructure needs grow across the state, investments like this are critical to ensuring students have access to the tools and facilities necessary for long-term career success.
Originally reported by Wyoming News Now.
