The Idaho State University College of Technology is getting a $2.3 million grant that will go toward the construction of a new technical education facility in Pocatello.

The university says in a news release that the facility will complete the William M. and Karin A. Eames Advanced Technical Education and Innovations Complex. It will be used to train students in diesel power generation systems.

“The hands-on training our graduates receive in this program not only prepares them for successful careers, but also meets a critical workforce need in our communities,” Idaho State President Kevin Satterlee says. “Receiving this grant will help us to expand opportunities and meet an ever-growing demand.”

Idaho State is one of only two schools in the nation that offer specific training in on-site power generation. The curriculum at Idaho State mirrors industry’s needs by preparing technicians who can service all varieties of generators, the university says.

The grant was awarded to the university by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. The grant money will be matched with additional fundraising from donors and commitments by the university.

Students who graduate with this training are able to perform preventative engine maintenance checks and services, diagnose and repair electrical problems, parallel or put two generators in series, install and repair transfer switches, gain experience troubleshooting/diagnosing mechanical or electrical problems, become well acquainted with programmable logic controls and provide guidance to customers in residential, industrial, or commercial applications for backup power,, the university says.

The university hopes to begin work on the new facility later in 2020.