A groundbreaking ceremony this week marked the start of construction on an expansion project at Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools (SCVTS) in Bridgewater.

The $23 million effort’s new buildings include a new Career and Technical Education facility. The CTE will feature new classrooms and learning labs as well as a new auxiliary gymnasium.

Officials say these added facilities will allow an expansion of existing programs and the creation of new, in-demand programs in the district. The project will allow SCVTS student enrollment to increase to more than 1,000 high school students from Somerset County and other communities.

“The four new and four expanded career and technical programs that will be added will enhance learning opportunities and increase the number of industry credentials our students can earn while in programs,” said SCVTS Superintendent Robert Presuto during his remarks at the March 27 event. “The auxiliary gym will provide students in both our physical education and sports programs with an additional court to play and practice on, as well as hold approximately 150 spectators.”

The groundbreaking featured a color guard presentation from SCVTHS Law and Public Safety program students; the singing of the National Anthem by Theater Arts student Alaina Gust; and remarks from officials, stakeholders and students.

“We’re not just in the education business here at Somerset County Vo Tech,” said SCV Board of Education Vice President Adam Beder. “We’re in the opportunity creation business.

“Today we break ground on a building that will allow us to expand our school community and broaden areas of study that will help future students develop their talents and learn the skills that will drive our community forward for generations to come.”

Officials anticipate the new buildings will open for the 2024-25 school year.

Also in the works:

Click here to see the latest from the long-anticipated SciTech Scity project, a “Science City of Tomorrow” at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.