The newly opened Manufacturing and Engineering Technology facility at Camden County Technical School features state-of-the-art equipment designed to provide students with hands-on training in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
Camden County Technical School (CCTS) celebrated the opening of its new Manufacturing and Engineering Technology (MET) program, a state-of-the-art career training initiative at the school’s Gloucester Township Campus on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
The $6 million project, made possible through a combination of state and county funding, was unveiled to mark the beginning of Manufacturing Month, a nationwide celebration of the manufacturing industry and its contributions to the country.
Commissioner Jonathan Young, Commissioner Deputy Director Ed McDonnell, Commissioner Melinda Kane, Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, Principal Chantell Green, Superintendent Wanda Pichardo, Jackie Burke, director of the New Jersey Council of County Technical Schools, and Stephen Tice, director of Lamtex gathered to celebrate the innovative MET program, which aims to prepare students for careers in manufacturing and engineering, fields crucial to New Jersey’s economy.
Young spoke about the significance of the program and its potential impact on students and the community.
“Technical schools play a pivotal role in preparing our youth for the next chapter of their lives,” he said. “So, investing in technical and vocational schools is crucial to our educational community. I am thrilled that the state of New Jersey sees the value in providing quality technical education to our young people, and I know that this program will set our students up for success in their careers.”
The MET program, which began with an initial enrollment of 21 students, provides comprehensive training in manufacturing and engineering disciplines. The new facility includes a range of specialized labs and classrooms to support student learning, such as a MET career lab, a MET design theory lab, three career and technical education-related theory/instructional rooms, a MET simulation lab, a MET physical science lab, and a large group instruction area with support spaces.
“Providing the access and opportunity for our students to sit in a state-of-the-art classroom and learn about new career paths underscores our commitment to teach and train tomorrow’s workforce,” McDonnell said. “This new capital investment is incredibly important for us at the Tech School to build the workforce of the future.”
The MET program was made possible thanks to a $4.5 million grant from the state of New Jersey. The grant is part of a larger $275 million initiative announced by Gov. Phil Murphy in July 2021 to support career and technical education programs in 15 New Jersey county vocational-technical school districts. Camden County received a total of $12 million in state grants, along with a commitment of $1.5 million from board of commissioners.
“The investments being made in technical education today will pay dividends for our students, our communities, and the entire state of New Jersey,” Burke said.
Young agreed.
“This is more than just the launch of a new program; it’s an investment in our future,” he said. By equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in manufacturing and engineering, we’re building a stronger community and ensuring that Camden County remains at the forefront of industry and innovation.”
