BEYOND BRICK AND MORTAR: A HUB FOR HIGH TECH TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT

BEYOND BRICK AND MORTAR: A HUB FOR HIGH TECH TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT

Located within the 50-acre Millwork Commons neighborhood near 13th and Nicholas streets is the Ashton Building, one in an emerging set of revamped buildings in the area. The area was a bustling center of industry in the late 1880s before falling on hard times decades later. MCC is among the first tenants at the Ashton Building, placing the College right in the middle of a reinvigorated neighborhood looking to grow as a vibrant hub for tech, art and design.

Public access is also a key component of IT Express. An internet café and lobby is available to visitors who want to connect with what’s happening in the IT community, learn about job postings and be more knowledgeable about industry trends.

“This is a place for people to immerse themselves in the sector, whether just reading about information or interacting with different technologies,” said Collin Baldwin, the College’s Continuing Education coordinator for the location. “Families who have never had a desktop computer can benefit from experiences afforded here that may not have been afforded to them previously.”

The Ashton also houses startups like WP Engine, a web development company currently in a constant state of hiring. WP Engine leaders can walk down a flight of stairs, drop in on a classroom to share industry knowledge and generate interest around opportunities with their company for recruitment. Dialing up the convenience and accessibility factors help to bring companies on site to engage with people interested in technology careers.

“It’s not just a space, it’s the development of an entire ecosystem with an urban technology culture with its own business and industry presence,” Baldwin said.

IT Express also offers meeting space to the business community for board meetings, retreats and other out-ofoffice events in an engaging environment. In addition to the College’s presence, Millwork Commons is rooted in local culture, providing a suburban feel in an urban setting with commercial businesses, modern apartments, restaurants, coffee shop, bakery and many more future tenants to come.

“It’s a cool space with a lot of history that is very well designed. And it has a charm that businesses and people are really drawn to. Companies like what we’re doing with it and enjoy coming in to visit with our students,” Baldwin said.

Baldwin said the new MCC facility will continue to draw from community feedback and add to the College’s offerings in this innovative, flexible space.

“What is being done isn’t an attempt in isolation to solve one particular problem,” Baldwin said. “These facilities are designed to be safe, caring and inclusive spaces that are meant to be transformational to the area community, and they will continue to evolve over time.”

Tim Clark, Director of MCC Youth Forward, said IT Express has the potential to make an impact on the individual and community level.

“This is an amazing opportunity to level the playing field and strengthen individuals through personal and professional growth and support the economic vitality of North Omaha for future high-demand jobs,” Clark said.

For more information about IT Express, contact Baldwin at cbaldwin1598@mccneb.edu.