College of Alameda Celebrates New Transportation Technology Center

College of Alameda (CoA) faculty and students celebrated the grand opening of the 40,000-square-foot New Transportation Technology Center (NTTC) on Tuesday, September 30. The facilities are equipped with updated technology and equipment, and consolidates classrooms for the Automotive Technology, Auto Body and Paint, and Diesel Mechanics programs, which were previously taught at two different facilities on opposite sides of the campus.

“Students are learning in the same equipment that they’d be utilizing once they take on the job, whereas previously we were a little bit dated,” CoA President Melanie Dixon said.

The center provides almost 10,000 square feet of learning space, allowing the college to offer the program to more students.

“They’re pretty popular programs,” Dixon said. “And they’re certificate programs, so they happen pretty quickly. Students are looking to get in and out. That is one of the great benefits of the (additional) square footage,” Dixon said.

The updated facilities also are expected to make a positive impact on students’ learning environment and are designed to simulate a more real-world setting. The inclusion of community rooms allows students to lounge or decompress during longer days when they may have many classes.

“It’s a more welcoming environment,” CoA Vice President of Instruction Nicole Porter said. “It gives more the feel of an auto shop. What does that shop feel like? What does it look like when I go into those spaces, and I’m working on certain engines, I’m painting, all those things? You get that real hands-on experience. So, they feel like this is not only our classroom, but it’s also our shop.”

Joshua Phelps, who is studying engine repair at CoA, specifically noted the improved lighting and the large number of windows, a major upgrade from the previous location in 50-year-old buildings that were primarily constructed from concrete and illuminated with fluorescent bulbs.

“We used to have issues with people falling asleep. In the past, the teacher’s having a lecture and it’s like a sauna (in there),” Phelps said.

Construction for the new center began in May 2023. According to Dixon, one challenge during the construction process was trying to avoid disruption of student learning. In addition to building the new center, the old buildings would have to be demolished, all while students continued to attend courses.

The development of the building was primarily funded by local Measure G bonds for Peralta Community College District and was monitored by the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee.

Vicky Nguyen is a contributing writer for the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Vicky-Nguyen.