Mitchell, SD (Mitchell Now) — 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 handson 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