When leaders from Blinn College and local industries met to discuss the workforce needs of the area, it was clear that there was an immediate demand for local training that would help develop a quality, viable workforce in Washington and surrounding counties. With the generous donations from local businesses, associations, independent school districts, financial institutions an individuals, this vision became a reality in December 2009.
Blinn College holds ribbon cutting and tours for new Technical Education Center
Blinn College officially opened the new A.W. Hodde, Jr., Technical Education Center with a ribbon cutting and open house Feb. 25, 2010. Honored guests included: A.W. Hodde, Jr., for whom the building was named, and his family; Brenham Mayor Milton Tate; District 13 State Representative Lois W. Kolkhorst; Texas Workforce Commission Manager Dale Robertson; Blinn College Board of Trustee members; members of the Washington County Blue Blazers; Washington County Judge Dorothy Morgan; Brenham ISD Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instructions Dr. Deanna Alfred; and many leaders from local industries. The nearly $2 million training facility houses workforce education programs supporting the educational needs of businesses in the area. Blinn foresees 1,200-1,500 people training annually in manufacturing, electrical, construction crafts, mechanical, leadership and management, and health at the center.