Truckee Meadows Community College's Safety Center has played a crucial role in workplace safety training for over three decades. "I teach you how to go home at night," says Program Manager Scott Alquist, emphasizing the center's primary goal of ensuring worker safety.
Since its inception in 1987, the Safety Center has trained more than 60,000 employees from various industries and government agencies across the country. Originally focused on forklift certification for local businesses, the center expanded under Alquist’s leadership to offer numerous programs across nine states and even gained international attention.
The center is nationally accredited and aligns with federal and state mandates from agencies such as OSHA, USDOT, USEPA, and DHS. Alquist and his team strive not only to meet compliance standards but also to exceed them, fostering safer work environments while enhancing profitability.
Additionally, the Safety Center offers a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course serving over 500 students annually. This course focuses on essential motorcycle riding skills and traffic safety.
Alquist's expertise extended beyond Nevada to other states like Minnesota and Washington through on-site training sessions. His contributions have impacted many through consulting roles with federal agencies and community organizations dedicated to prioritizing safety.
After a career spanning over three decades, Alquist retired on June 30. Reflecting on his career as a “bittersweet goodbye,” he expressed pride in his achievements and looks forward to retirement activities like motorcycling and golfing with friends and family.
TMCC EPIC continues to house the Safety Center, carrying forward Scott's legacy by offering industrial safety training, government-mandated courses, custom solutions, professional certifications, and community education. For more information about their services or courses offered by EPIC, interested individuals can contact them directly at 775-829-9010.