By Boone Country Connection
Expanding west, St. Charles Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, for its new, innovative, future-focused, Regional Workforce Innovation Center. It will be the first building on the college’s new 55-acre campus, at the corner of Interstate Drive and Schaper Road in Wentzville.
SCC’s Regional Workforce Innovation Center will prepare the region’s workforce for jobs in technology, advanced manufacturing, robotics, sustainable energy, healthcare and more. The college anticipates opening the center in the fall of 2025.
Governor Mike Parson spoke at the event, along with St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann, SCC President Barbara Kavalier, Ph.D., SCC Board of Trustees President Mary Schnare Stodden, and SCC Sr. VP for Administrative Services and Chief Operating Officer Todd Galbierz. They were joined by key representatives from the community and business and industry.
“Workforce development and education are a top priority for our administration. We’re proud to see St. Charles Community College committed to working with local business and industry leaders to help meet our workforce needs in the region and across the state,” said Governor Mike Parson.
“This new center will be the premier technical training and education center in this region,” said SCC President Barbara Kavalier, Ph.D. “We recognize the rapidity at which technology is changing the world of work, and this center will help us better prepare students for desirable jobs.”
SCC will introduce new programs in advanced manufacturing, including battery technology, electric and autonomous vehicles, renewable wind and solar energy, high-tech processes and robotics. In addition to providing education and training for students, the college will have a “Make-it Center” lab where students in middle and high school can explore new technology such as how a 3-D printer works and even operate a robotic arm. An introduction to advanced manufacturing technologies and other skilled trades will be available for students with options to earn associate degrees and certificates.
The Regional Workforce Innovation Center is funded primarily by the state through the American Rescue Plan Act funds and the MoExcels Workforce Initiative. The estimated cost for the Regional Workforce Innovation Center is $41.9 million.
