The Guam Community College is expanding hands-on training opportunities for the island’s workforce. Today, GCC celebrated the opening of its newly-renovated Workforce Development Center —designed to prepare residents for high-demand jobs in construction and maritime ship repair.   

Guam’s push to build a stronger local workforce took a major step forward, as GCC president Dr. Mary Okada said, "This ribbon-cutting is a testament to all the hard work that Team GCC has done to support our island." The 8,000-square-foot facility is designed to give students real-world, hands-on training—featuring four modern classrooms and an open-air shop that mirrors actual jobsite conditions.

The center supports training in welding, carpentry, electrical work, and other construction trades, along with GCC's work ready boot camps focused on maritime ship repair—industries critical to Guam’s economy and infrastructure.

College leaders say investing in local talent is key to reducing reliance on off-island labor, while supporting economic growth and strengthening Guam’s role as a regional hub for commerce and military operations. "The Workforce Development Center is really poised to take the college into the future. The governor's initiative on economic diversification -construction and ship repair were identified as the top tier for capacity expansion. Today our college supports our mission as the leader in career and technical workforce development providing the highest quality student-centered education and job training of Micronesia," continued Okada.

With the new Workforce Development Center now open, GCC says students will gain industry-relevant skills that translate directly into jobs—helping keep opportunity, talent, and economic growth right here on Guam. The Workforce Development Center is expected to serve students, apprentices, and working professionals seeking to upgrade skills in Guam’s fastest-growing trade industries.

"I thank you all for your dedication and support for this project, and your continued support for GCC and as we say: Students First, Mission Always.  We stand on our commitment to our community."