Skilled Trades

CHEYENNE – October 29, 2026 -- Bechtel has committed $1 million to Laramie County Community College (LCCC) and Western Wyoming College to expand electrical and pipefitting training, including a pipefitting pathway that is new to Wyoming higher education. The company also launched Build for More, a statewide campaign that pitches skilled trades as a first-choice career for Wyoming students.

The funding will cover curriculum, instructors, equipment and training facilities at both institutions. The expanded electrical training will let more participants complete their programs in-state.

Bechtel announced the package at a panel discussion at LCCC in Cheyenne with Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, LCCC President Dr. Joe Schaffer and Bechtel Senior Vice President Walker Kimball. The Wyoming Innovation Partnership and the Wyoming Business Alliance co-hosted the event. The partnership was developed with support from the Governor's office.

Chicago – October 29, 2026 -- Crash Champions raised $300,000 in September to seed Champion It Forward, a new independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit aimed at a collision repair labor shortage in which more than 55% of auto body repair technician roles are unfilled.

Industry data puts collision repair demand at nearly 100,000 technicians over five years

The workforce gap is the organization's founding premise. According to the latest industry data cited by the group, the sector needs nearly 100,000 technicians over the next five years. Champion It Forward plans to widen career pathways, expand mentorship and provide financial support for aspiring technicians.