Lake County Gazette

Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking today to mark the beginning of its $25 million expansion and renovation. The new facility is situated at the intersection of South Morrison and Caseyville Roads in Collinsville, Illinois, across from the existing CAVC building and Collinsville High School campus.

Attendees included officials from Collinsville Community Unit School District #10, members of the design/construction team, local business partners, and representatives from the State of Illinois.

"The start of construction on the Collinsville Area Vocational Center expansion marks an exciting new chapter for our students and community,” said CAVC Director Joe McGinnis. “This project will provide state-of-the-art facilities that better prepare our students for high-demand careers while strengthening partnerships with local businesses. By expanding hands-on learning opportunities, we are not just building a facility — we are building a stronger workforce and a brighter future for Collinsville and beyond. "

Once completed, the expanded CAVC aims to serve as a larger pipeline for trades, service industry jobs, education careers, and healthcare occupations. This will create more opportunities for students from Collinsville and nine other area high schools that send students to CAVC.

In 2023, the State of Illinois appropriated $25 million (SB 250; page 1024) to Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 for this project. Most funding will go toward constructing the new building while some portion is allocated towards renovating existing facilities to introduce new vocational programs.

"The Board is a strong supporter of our vocational program and is very excited about the opportunities this expansion will provide for our students,” said Gary Peccola, President of Collinsville CUSD 10 Board of Education. “The new building and renovation of the current center will expose up to 300 additional students to trades and different professions along with career possibilities. "

State Representative Katie Stuart played a pivotal role in securing funding for this project which aligns with Illinois' focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE).

"Vocational schools play a key role in preparing our students for careers in various fields," said Stuart. "Having secured this transformative investment, construction on both new buildings and renovations will greatly expand" educational opportunities provided by CAVC."

CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich expressed enthusiasm about expanding career education programs: “We are excited to expand opportunities in career'' technical education across multiple disciplines... Thank you especially'' Representative Stuart who played such'' big part making this reality."

The final plans were approved by CUSD Board on March17th with completion target'' set April2026.FGM Architects designed'' facility while Holland Construction'' manages construction.Cost projected be$21,454,783 expansion+$3,082831 renovations.

"Being part expanding CAVC truly special," said Ryan Savage,Vice President'' Client Relations,Holland Construction."It's laying foundation future generations'' skilled tradespeople equipping them succeed."

The expansion aims increase annual enrollment from575 expected900 adding programs'' like HVAC/R,Aviation Mechanics EMT among others.Currently offered pathways include'' Agriculture Auto Body Building Trades Electronics Welding Clinical Health Criminal'' Justice Cosmetology Cyber Security Dental Assisting Early Childhood Food Service K-12''

Teacher Prep.

Important business partnerships have been instrumental supporting'' scope'' project.McKay Napa Auto Parts Trane Anderson Hospital Petroff Companies Madison'' County Sheriffs among others providing advanced equipment technology specialized classrooms'' ensuring access latest training resources.

"We thrilled collaborate providing industry'' support,"said Rebecca Krewson Technician Program Leader Commercial HVAC Americas Trane'' Technologies.An HVAC program equips technical skills satisfies growing demand skilled'' professionals investing next generation ensuring sustainable future both industry broader'' region."

Earl Flack President CEO McKay NAPA sees involvement bridging future,"The'' opportunities Automotive Aftermarket unending most important thing creating pathway success."'' Anderson Healthcare sponsoring Clinical Health Occupations program proud meaningful difference'' lives local students,"Lisa Spencer President Anderson Hospital."

Expanded transform Southwestern'' Illinois recent years turned away due lack space increasing number served variety offered allowing'' reorganization classroom meeting21st-century needs career education together industry partners goal equip'' valuable practical knowledge preparing high-demand high-wage jobs fostering critical thinking employability'' skills.

"The demand skilled workers significant gives first-hand look many available imperative raise'' awareness begin building workforce key regional economic growth Southern Builders Association Construction'' Advancement Program proudly support"Donna Richter Chief Executive Officer Builders Association investment state''' Illinois making center lay groundwork pipeline businesses successful generations Congratulations school district"'' Kyle Anderson Executive Director Leadership Council Southwestern about built one24 Centers serves Madison St Clair''' Counties including Civic Memorial Dupo East Alton-Wood River Edwardsville Highland Lebanon Mascoutah Roxana Triad operated''' governance comprises12 schools serving6100+ PreK-12 southwestern founded1986 principles integrity decades experience specializing''' delivering innovative solutions across Industrial Municipal Healthcare Commercial Education Residential throughout Midwest offices Swansea''' St Louis commitment providing evident fact over90% clients return testament dedication exceptional value fostering lasting relationships communities''' Contributions scholarships supported Foundation public charitable organization defined Section501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Code tax deductible information''' visit website Renderings New Facility

---