Bellingham Technical College received a two-year, $40,000 grant from Alcoa Foundation presented by Alcoa’s Intalco Works in Ferndale.

The college’s grant project, titled Establishing an Industry Skills Certification System in the Pacific Northwest, will develop coursework for industry certifications within existing BTC program degrees. The grant was awarded in September.

“We’re always excited about the investments that Intalco is able to make through Alcoa Foundation,” said Barry Hullett, Intalco Works plant manager, in a press release. “Bellingham Technical College, like many other local organizations we award grants to, has a demonstrated track record of success and commitment that allow them to have a deep impact in the Whatcom County community.”

The Alcoa Foundation funding will help BTC obtain industry certification for instructors and provide the means to certify current students and graduates in nationally-recognized certificates.

The college will develop and align curricula in three program areas: electro-mechanical technology, precision machining and welding technology.

Students in these programs can complete nationally recognized industry certifications endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers and in the Manufacturing Skills Certification System of the Manufacturing Institute.