Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools is enhancing its commitment to career and technical education with the development of the NextGen Training Center at Fairfield Career Center. This exciting project signifies a major step forward in expanding the opportunities available through Eastland Career Center Programs, catering to both high school students and adult learners seeking advanced skills and career readiness.
The new 34,000-square-foot NextGen Training Center, located at the Fairfield Career Center campus in Carroll, Ohio, is designed to house state-of-the-art facilities. Among the flagship Eastland Career Center programs to be hosted here is a brand-new, advanced Welding program for high school students. Furthermore, recognizing the growing demand in infrastructure, the center will also feature a dedicated lab for an Adult Broadband Infrastructure Training Program. This initiative underscores Eastland-Fairfield’s dedication to providing Eastland Career Center programs that are directly aligned with industry needs and future job markets.
Shelley Groves, Superintendent and CEO of Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools, emphasized the significance of this expansion. “The NextGen Training Center will allow us to welcome an additional 100 students annually,” Groves stated. “This growth is crucial for our community, as it broadens access to high-quality career and technical education for high school students and offers adult learners pathways to upskill or change careers. We are proud to collaborate closely with our partner schools and local business leaders to ensure our Eastland Career Center programs prepare students for further education, employment, entrepreneurship, or military service.”
The $17-18 million expansion project, encompassing the NextGen Training Center, program equipment, and infrastructure improvements, is partially funded by a $4 million Career and Technical Construction Grant. This grant is specifically allocated to equip the Welding program at Fairfield Career Center, highlighting the program’s importance and potential. The remaining investment, covering additional infrastructure like turning lanes and a new entrance, will be supported by the EFCTS General Fund, demonstrating the district’s strong financial commitment to expanding Eastland Career Center programs.
Construction is slated to begin in mid-September, in collaboration with Schorr Architects, with the NextGen Training Center expected to open its doors for the 2025-26 school year. A groundbreaking ceremony at Fairfield Career Center on September 17 will mark the official commencement of this transformative project.
Beyond the NextGen Training Center, Eastland-Fairfield has implemented a series of enhancements across its campuses to enrich the student and staff experience. These improvements include:
- New Teacher Preparation Program: Launched at Hamilton Township, Teays Valley, and Gahanna Lincoln high schools, this senior-only program aims to cultivate the next generation of educators, representing the first EFCTS satellite programs at Hamilton Twp. and Teays Valley high schools. This program is a valuable addition to Eastland Career Center programs, extending its reach into the academic field.
- Expanded Firefighting Program: A second section of the high school Firefighting program was established at Eastland Career Center to meet student demand, demonstrating the popularity and relevance of Eastland Career Center programs in public safety.
- Industrial Automation Program: The Adult Workforce Development division is launching a new Industrial Automation program this fall, further expanding Eastland Career Center programs for adult learners and addressing the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector.
- Fairfield Career Center Cafeteria Expansion: A 2,000-square-foot expansion of the cafeteria, including a kitchen renovation, allows for healthier food options for students and staff, improving the overall campus environment.
- Enhanced Security and Accessibility: Construction of a security vestibule at Fairfield Career Center and restroom renovations for ADA accessibility at both campuses ensure a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
- Parking Lot Improvements: Parking upgrades at ECC and the EFCTS District Office enhance campus accessibility and convenience.
These comprehensive improvements, anchored by the NextGen Training Center, underscore Eastland-Fairfield’s dedication to providing exceptional Eastland Career Center programs and a supportive learning environment. For more information about the diverse range of over 40 high school and adult programs, please visit www.EastlandFairfield.com.
