Phase two of the CTE expansion project will be the demolition of the Annex Building at the corner of Richardson Avenue and South 13th Street followed by the construction of a second CTE building in that spot that will focus mainly on industrial trades. The new 12,3000 square foot building will house an impressive new auto mechanics shop with pull-through bays, construction trades, a CAD design/architecture drafting lab, and an oil and gas lab. 

 

The oil and gas program will be new to the school district and will give students a sound understanding of the industry as well as experience with basic operations, like pumps, etc., said Greer. 

 

This phase of the project will require fundraising, according to Greer. “APS will be launching a campaign to raise money for this second building. Both Mr. Parker and I will be out in the community and are available to speak to service groups, etc.”

 

Phase three will be the renovating of the current 17,700 square foot Trades Building at the corner of South 12th Street and West Grand Avenue. The remodeling will remove the current auto mechanics and wood working areas to make way for a new larger nursing classroom and lab, as well as a fire technology/emergency medical technology lab. The art classrooms will stay where they currently are. 

 

“The nursing program will have an exciting expansion,” said Greer. “They have a small classroom now but will have a much larger classroom, as well as a new section that will simulate an emergency room setting.” Students who graduate from the program will be ready to earn a Certified Nursing Assistant degree. 

 

“We hope to offer ‘real life’ experiences, environments, and equipment with this initiative,” said Greer. “A trades career path is just as relevant as a college or university path and we hope to make an immediate impact on the local skilled labor force.”