CSN dedicates JT3 Technology Lab

The College of Southern Nevada Foundation unveiled the JT3 Technology Lab Sept. 19 in the Morse Arberry Jr. Telecommunications Building on the CSN Cheyenne campus. The space was named in honor of the electronics-based defense contractor that has supported the college's mission and dedicated many resources to technology training in Southern Nevada.

"JT3 is a wonderful industry partner," CSN President Michael Richards said. "We are grateful for their support of CSN and hope together we can continue to train an educated and tech-savvy workforce."

JT3 provides engineering and technical support to four of the Western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech.

The JT3 Jump Start program, created in 2009, encourages eligible students to pursue a specialized electronics technology education through CSN while seeking employment with JT3.

To get started, students take six core courses in CSN's electronics engineering program. Then, the student can apply and interview with the company for a job. If hired, the student may be offered a sign-on bonus that helps cover the costs of the courses they've already taken.

JT3 also encourages the student to complete his or her Associate of Applied Science in Electronics degree by covering the tuition and books under JT3's Employee Education Training Assistance Program. In many cases employees also are allowed to study and do lab work while they're on the job.

Since its inception, 66 students have enrolled in the program and 16 students are now JT3 employees. Five students, who are now JT3 employees as well, have completed their associate degree program at CSN.

"JT3 is proud to work with CSN to enhance technology training in Nevada. The college's electronics engineering graduates do exceptional work and are an important part of our effort to prepare our nation's war fighters for the missions of today while building new capabilities to meet the global challenges of tomorrow," said JT3 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dan Wild.

Most recently, the company donated $50,000 to CSN's School of Advanced and Applied Technologies.

"This will allow CSN to expand into areas we haven't been able to train students in previously, like radar and microwave transmissions. It will also help us bolster training in existing areas such as fiber optics," said School of Advanced and Applied Sciences Dean Michael Spangler. "These are great job opportunities in our workforce where we need more highly trained and skilled employees."