Last month, USA Architects had the opportunity to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Somerset County Vocational Technical Schools (SCVTS)’s highly anticipated New Career and Technical Education (CTE) building, located in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The ceremony marks the start of construction for a state-of-the-art educational facility that promises to transform the Somerset County community. The community gathered to hear remarks from the SCVTS Superintendent, State Officials, SCVTS Board of Education, and an SCVTS Student.
With a vision to provide cutting-edge vocational and technical training opportunities to students, the new $23-million, 2-story 36,865-square-foot school represents a collaborative effort between the school board, the community, and the state. This new building is part of the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act, which is designed to encourage more career and technical education in New Jersey classrooms. At the ceremony, State Assemblyman Roy Feinman emphasized the increasing importance of CTE programs: “We need to have more of our children given this opportunity. 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.”
The New CTE school will offer a diverse range of programs designed to prepare students for the growing need for skilled workers in the technical trades. From Construction and Architecture, to Life Sciences, Technology, Finance, Transportation/Distribution, Health Care, Leisure/Hospitality, and Manufacturing, these new programs will equip learners with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to succeed in high-demand industries.
“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. The new CTE facility will feature modern classrooms, cutting-edge learning labs, industry-standard equipment, and an auxiliary gymnasium to ensure that students receive an extensive and immersive learning experience.
Scheduled for occupancy in the 2025 school year, the facility will be able to welcome over 1,000 new students. Students are eager to gain exposure to a wide range of trades to start honing their individual interests and talents early on in their professional journeys: “With these newer programs, it enables more diverse career pathways for students at this school,” said Sanav Sathish, a student in the MEAM (Mechatronics, Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing) Program at SCVTS.
USA Architects is excited to be the architect of this pivotal project, which is expected to have a positive influence on students, families, businesses, and the local economy in Somerset County. “We’re not just in the education business here at Somerset County Vo Tech,” said SCVTS Board of Education Vice President Adam Beder. “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.”
