Future trades students and officials hoist shovels at the groundbreaking at Rowan’s Deptford campus last month.
Another step forward in the growth of Rowan College of South Jersey’s Deptford campus and its efforts to give students a pathway to gainful employment was taken on Oct. 24.
Labor union representatives, college leaders, federal, state and county officials and future students broke ground for an expansion of the college’s Career and Technical Education Center.
“I am so proud to be back with this institution and proud to be part of this launch,” said state Assemblywoman Heather Simmons, vice president of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development at Rowan. “It would not be possible without Dean Brigette Satchell, who has been a guiding force.
“I have invited five students and an instructor to join me,” Simmons added. This groundbreaking is the first step.”
The expansion will encompass more than 13,000 square feet and will include two new classrooms; a state-of-the-art welding lab; a construction lab; and dedicated HVAC, plumbing, and electrical stations.
“This is a great day for Gloucester County, South Jersey and the building trades,” noted Steve Sweeney, vice president of the Ironworkers International union and former president of the state Senate, at the groundbreaking.
“This is a pathway up,” echoed Rowan President Dr. Fred Keating, “including carpentry, electrical, plumbing/HVAC, remediation/rehabilitation and welding. All the trades will be here – it’s a pre-apprenticeship training program.”
“This expansion introduces new programs and enhances the facilities and resources,” explained Frank J. DiMarco, director of the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners, who praised the commitment of the Career and Technical Education Center team.
“We are investing in the future of our workforce,” he added, calling the expanded center apprenticeship prep.
“There is a shortage of workers in the trades and manufacturing,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, adding that with the talk of relief for college debt, there should also be educational vouchers for soldiers and workers in the trades.
“I commend Rowan,” offered Daniel Cosner, president of the Building Trades Council of Southern New Jersey, on the expansion. “This is awesome. This is a continued partnership we have to expand on.”
