CoorsTek Inc. has officially opened its CoorsTek Academy Training Center in Golden, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 16. The event included company leaders, state officials and industry partners, highlighting a significant step in enhancing the region’s manufacturing workforce.
Funded in part by the State of Colorado’s Opportunity Now grant, the Academy aims to prepare future workers for careers in advanced manufacturing. The facility offers hands-on learning experiences aligned with industry needs, equipping participants with practical skills necessary for the field.
“The opening of the CoorsTek Academy Training Center is the realization of a bold vision to shape the future of advanced manufacturing in Colorado,” said Irma Lockridge, chief people and systems officer at CoorsTek. “This facility reflects our commitment to developing talent, fostering innovation and investing in the people who will lead this industry forward. It’s more than a training center — it’s a launchpad for meaningful careers and long-term impact.”
The Academy features modern manufacturing equipment and will also provide apprenticeship programs in maintenance and tool and die, as well as certifications in areas like CNC and advanced manufacturing in collaboration with local educational institutions.
Governor Jared Polis addressed the importance of such initiatives, stating, “In Colorado, we are growing a strong workforce today, to fill the jobs of tomorrow. Colorado’s advanced manufacturing industry includes over 6,300 companies that employ over 150,000 workers. And as the industry continues to grow, so too will the demand for workers with the skills needed to drive growth and innovation, helping students gain the necessary skills to succeed and fill in-demand jobs.”
CoorsTek, founded in 1910, manufactures technical ceramics for semiconductor, medical, automotive, aerospace and other industries.
