In 1988 the Oregon Precision Metal Fabricators Association (OPMFA) asked Clackamas Community College (CCC) to develop and conduct a training program specifically for the precision sheet metal industry. The aim of the partnership was to train new workers and to upgrade skills of current employees. OPMFA equipped the Advanced Technology Center (ATC); CCC provided curriculum development and recruitment. The ATC implemented two 9-month certificate programs in precision sheet metal technology and screw machine technology and an ongoing 6-week program designed to give students entry-level skills applicable to either industry and to the metal manufacturing industry at large. Recruiting efforts and a placement program were undertaken. CCC began a partnership with four other local community colleges to form the Oregon Advanced Technology Consortium (OATC), the mission of which would be to improve the competitiveness of Oregon industry through technology transfer and technical training. The OATC proposed to accomplish this in three ways: through information collection and dissemination; through advanced technical training; and through applied research. Activities in each area were undertaken. Long-term goals of the ATC and the OATC were development of 2+2 programs with area high schools, development of an apprenticeship program, and development of an associate degree in precision metal manufacturing. (YLB)