Thursday, March 28, 2024

SCC moving forward with new Career Technology Center

Construction of the new Career Technology Center at Shawnee Community College formally commenced at a groundbreaking ceremony on August 6th.

In addition to the Board of Trustees, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and Illinois Senator Gary Forby attended the event along with local government officials, agency representatives, and community members.

“Illinois’ community colleges are an important link between workers and employers in today’s global economy,” said Simon. “Focusing on college readiness and improving career education will help Shawnee train the workforce in Southern Illinois and attract and retain employers.”

Senator Forby added, “Shawnee Community College does an excellent job of providing education resources that are tailored to the needs of local employers. The new Career Technology Center is another example of Shawnee working to meet those needs.”

Whether that means providing people with the knowledge and resources to crack entry-level IT certification exams like Microsoft’s ms-900 exam, or providing more hands-on experience for the labor-intensive jobs that are in demand across the community, the center will aim to do everything possible to ensure that job seekers are ready to take on jobs relevant to their skill sets and interests.

SCC board chairman Don E. Patton remarked, “Today is a great day! By providing trained employees, this facility will help local business and industry achieve more.”

The newly appointed president of Shawnee Community College, Dr. Tim Bellamey said, “This Career Technology Center serves as a bold reminder of the College’s continuing commitment to our community.” The building can provide space to upgrade heating, air conditioning, current coded welding services, and sheet metal fabrication programs. The building would be constructed in accordance with government standards. The metalwork facilities are expected to be equipped with some of the latest welding devices including Hypertherm powermax XP models as well as other innovative welding tools.

The 7,200-square-foot technical classroom and lab facility will be located southwest of the main campus. Project completion is expected in the summer of 2013, making the new Career Technology Center classroom-ready for the 2013 fall semester. The building was locally funded through a 2010 bond issue for building and remodeling projects.