An artist’s rendering portrays the new Career and Technical Education building that will soon be under construction, along with an auxiliary gymnasium, on the SCVTHS campus in Bridgewater, NJ.
A groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on the $23 million expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) facilities and a new auxiliary gymnasium was held on March 27 at Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools (SCVTS).
The expansion of facilities and programs will allow SCVTS student enrollment to increase to more than 1,000 high school students from Somerset County and other nearby communities.
The event began with a color guard presentation by students from the SCVTHS Law and Public Safety program, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Theater Arts student Alaina Gust.
The new CTE building will include classrooms and several learning labs that will allow for the expansion of existing programs and the creation of new in-demand programs in the district.
“The four new and four expanded career and technical programs that will be added will enhance learning opportunities and increase the number of industry credentials our students can earn while in programs,” said SCVTS Superintendent Robert Presuto.
He added that the “auxiliary gym will provide students in both our physical education and sports programs with an additional court to play and practice on, as well as hold approximately 150 spectators.”
State Assemblyman Roy Freiman highlighted the importance of CTE programs.
“We need to have more of our children given this opportunity,” Freiman said, adding “this is how they should be entering and being prepared for the workforce, for their happiness, for their financial stability, for our economy, because it’s needed all around.”
“We owe it to our young students to be ready to be a part of these future industries, to live the American Dream of a good job, a secure home to raise a family in, and a future for their children,” said Commissioner Doug Singleterry. “This is why the County Commissioners are so proud to invest in this school, not just with the $6 million for this project but with our long-term commitment to invest in the growing enrollment and improved vocational education in Somerset County.”
Sanav Sathish, a senior in the SCVTHS Mechatronics, Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing program, spoke to the assembled guests as well saying he is “very thankful for the school administration and the local county officials for approving for this new building and more opportunities” and that the new programs allow for “more diverse career pathways for students at the school.”
The final speaker at the ceremony was Somerset County Vocational Board of Education Vice President Adam Beder, who summed up the school’s mission.
“We’re not just in the education business here at Somerset County Vo Tech. We’re in the opportunity creation business. Today we break ground on a building that will allow us to expand our school community and broaden areas of study that will help future students develop their talents and learn the skills that will drive our community forward for generations to come,” said Beder.
It is anticipated that the new CTE building and auxiliary gymnasium will be open for the 2024-2025 school year.
This story originally appeared April 4, 2024 in Patch.com.
