Mitchell Tech to Hold Ribbon Cutting for New Touchstone Energy Utilities Lab

The public is invited to the Mitchell Technical College campus on Thursday, September 3, to celebrate the completion of the new Touchstone Energy Utilities Lab, a state-of-the-art facility designed to expand hands-on education and training for students preparing for careers in the utilities industry.

"This facility represents an incredible investment in our students and in the future of the utilities workforce," said Theresa Kriese, President of Mitchell Tech. "The Touchstone Energy Utilities Lab gives our students the space, equipment and hands-on learning environment they need to prepare for high-demand careers while strengthening our ability to meet the needs of industry across South Dakota and beyond."

The 34,000-square-foot facility will provide expanded space for hands-on instruction and training, giving students opportunities to work with the equipment, technology, and real-world scenarios they will encounter in the utilities industry. The facility will support Mitchell Tech's utilities-related programs and create opportunities for collaboration among students, faculty, and industry partners.

"Our students learn best by doing," said Tom Osborne, Power Line Construction & Maintenance Program Coordinator at Mitchell Tech. "This new facility gives us the space to take that hands-on learning to another level. Students will be able to train in an environment that closely reflects the conditions and equipment they will experience in their careers."

The Touchstone Energy Utilities Lab also reflects Mitchell Tech's commitment to working closely with industry to address workforce needs. As demand continues for skilled workers in the utilities sector, the facility will help prepare graduates with the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to enter the workforce ready to contribute.

"Projects like this are possible because of strong partnerships between education and industry," said Kriese. "We are grateful to the Touchstone Energy cooperatives and all of our partners who have invested in Mitchell Tech and our students. Their support helps us continue building programs and facilities that respond directly to the workforce needs of our region and state."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will provide an opportunity to celebrate the completion of the facility and recognize the many individuals and organizations whose support helped make the project possible. Following the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the new facility and see demonstrations provided by instructors and students.

The Touchstone Energy Utilities Lab ribbon cutting will take place on Thursday, September 3, at 2:30 p.m. at Mitchell Technical College. The event is open to the public. Signage will direct the public to the new building, which is located just past the Energy Training Center.