ROCKLIN - The Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) at Sierra College won a $268,000 grant from the California Community Colleges Economic and Workforce Development Programs in a competitive application process.

Since 1997, the CACT has supported manufacturers and technology companies with employee training, technology deployment and industry development. Starting in January 2006, the CACT will receive the funds for 18 months to serve Northern California businesses located from Sacramento to the Oregon border.

The CACT uses mobile laboratories that can go to employers' worksites and offer customized training in high tech soldering, business software, and installation of category 5 high performance cable systems. In addition, the new Concurrent Engineering demonstration laboratory, including rapid prototyping capabilities, will show manufacturers how to reduce costs, speed up new product development and increase customer satisfaction.

To attract teenagers to manufacturing careers and introduce the benefits of a technical education, the CACT will also offer technology demonstrations at high school campuses.

According to Sandra Scott, Sierra College 's Economic Development Director, the CACT connects smaller manufacturers with state-of-the-art methods to maximize productivity so that they can stay competitive. "This grant will enable us to continue working with regional manufacturers to help them produce more with existing resources and take full advantage of technology in the engineering and production process," said Scott.

The CACT also provides process improvement assessments, facilitates businesses in implementing Lean Manufacturing methods, and offers training in business skills. A complete list of courses is available at www.sierracollegetraining.com.

The Sierra College CACT is one of 15 centers in California dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of the State's small and medium-sized manufacturers by facilitating the transfer and adoption of advanced and environmentally sound manufacturing technologies and techniques. For more information visit www.sierracollegetraining.com or contact Sandra Scott, Economic Development Director, at 916-781-6244.