Chillicothe, OH - May 6, 2024 - Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center proudly announced the commencement of its expansion project with a groundbreaking ceremony held on May 6, 2024, coinciding with the first day of Ohio's In-Demand Jobs Week. The Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, Jon Husted presence highlighted the state's commitment to advancing career-technical education.
Pickaway-Ross was awarded over $7 million to expand its carpentry, construction, robotics, and manufacturing programs, underscoring the state's dedication to bolstering vocational education initiatives.
"We talked to the career centers around the state of Ohio, five years ago, they had space, but now they don’t. The world has changed. Employers are pulling their hair out trying to find people with technical job skills," remarked Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, emphasizing the critical need for expanded vocational education opportunities.
The expansion initiative responds to students' overwhelming demand for vocational education opportunities. With a surge in enrollment, the need for additional space became imperative to accommodate the growing number of individuals eager to capitalize on the career pathways offered by Pickaway-Ross.
"We are thrilled to embark on this significant expansion journey that underscores our dedication to empowering students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen fields," remarked Superintendent Jonathan Davis. "This expansion wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of the state's Career Tech expansion grants."
The ceremony featured notable speakers including Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, Superintendent Jonathan Davis, and Ohio ACTE Executive Director Dee Smith, who lauded the center's commitment to providing high-quality career and technical education to students across the region as well as the state administration’s dedication to growing career-technical programs across the state.
Justin Hollandsworth, representing Acoustic Ceiling and Partition (ACP), an employer that directly benefits from the skilled workforce cultivated by Pickaway-Ross’s Commercial Carpentry program, also shared insights into the profound impact of the center's programs on the local workforce and economy.
The expansion project signifies a pivotal moment in the center's history, poised to enhance its capacity to serve the educational needs of the community and beyond. The new facilities will not only accommodate the growing student population but also facilitate the delivery of cutting-edge programs tailored to meet the evolving demands of various industries.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center, as it continues to spearhead innovation and excellence in career and technical education.