VOLT Institute Graduates Inaugural Class
MODESTO, CA — On June 27, nearly a year after opening, VOLT Institute saw the graduation of its
first class of maintenance mechanic students. VOLT Institute, a partnership of Opportunity Stanislaus
and Stanislaus County Office of Education, was started at the request of local employers looking for
skilled candidates to fill existing and future vacancies. Employers set a priority of training maintenance
mechanics, a field with widespread shortages including over 300 openings in Stanislaus County alone.
Austin Parker, 22, is one of the graduates. He credits the program with his new job at Hughson Nut,
citing the teachers, hands-on learning, and personalized pace as benefits.
“VOLT was a greatopportunity,” said Parker. “It has already opened up a ton of doors for me. The instruction at VOLT
was hands-on and kept pace with students and the job placement assistance was beyond what any other
college would do. Thanks to VOLT I no longer just have a job- I have a career.”
Parker’s situation is not unique. In fact, VOLT boasts an 88% placement rate among graduates.
Opportunity Stanislaus CEO David White has been a driver of VOLT since the planning stages. “We
have come so far so fast and are excited about the momentum we’re gaining,” said White. “We have
the best equipment—machines that simulate industry facilities—and we have a team that is absolutely
committed to the success of the students. We look forward to great things.”
In addition to the 11-month Industrial Maintenance Mechanic program, VOLT also has a 3-month
Certified Production Technician program and workshops on a wide variety of business topics. Training
areas will continue to expand as the student population and capacity grows. “Stanislaus County Office
of Education has a tradition of preparing students for the workforce through education,” said Executive
Director Deb Rowe.
“VOLT is a great example of multi-sector partnership training, the industry
recognized certifications through VOLT qualify student for a living wage job which affirms we are
headed in the right direction to support our community and beyond.”
VOLT Institute recently made news when it was awarded $1,000,000 in the 2018-19 California State
Budget to expand training for high-demand careers in manufacturing, one of the county’s most critical
industries. The funding will support the expansion of an education and training partnership between
Modesto Junior College (MJC), Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE), and Opportunity
Stanislaus to prepare students for jobs based on employer demand. The grant will serve as the local
match necessary for a federal United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development
Administration grant.
New classes start October 8 and continue through September 5 of 2019. For more information or to
enroll please visit www.voltinstitute.com or call 209.566.9102.