Ground broke on NexGen Training Center – Welding & Broadband Infrastructure

**Dee Smith** (Exec. Director of Ohio ACTE), **Beau Stidham** (FCC Principal), **Mary Pierce** (EFCTS BOE – ESC of Fairfield Co.), **Anne Darling Cyphert** (EFCTS BOE – ESC of Fairfield Co.), **Lt. Gov. Jon Husted**, **Shelley Groves** (EFCTS Superintendent/CEO), **Bill McGowan**, (EFCTS BOE President – Teays Valley Schools), **Amanda Young** (EFCTS BOE Vice President – Reynoldsburg) *Photo by Paul Vernon*

September 20, 2024
From the Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Center

On Tuesday, September 17, Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools (EFCTS) broke ground on its newest building, the NextGen Training Center, located at the Fairfield Career Center campus in Carroll.

In a momentous occasion attended by more than 500 special guests, including high school students, faculty, staff, business partners, education and community leaders, the event marked a significant step forward in the district’s commitment to providing in-demand, cutting-edge career and technical education.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, an advocate for workforce development and career-technical education, was in attendance to show his support and addressed the crowd about the importance of hands-on training programs to prepare students for the workforce of the future and further strengthen Ohio’s workforce.

Following remarks by Eastland-Fairfield Adult Workforce Development Director Todd Hoffman and Superintendent/CEO Shelley Groves, Lt. Governor Husted joined EFCTS leadership, students, and Board of Education members to put the first shovels into the ground on the construction site.

“We are so excited about the doors that we will help open to high school and adult students through the NextGen Training Center and the programs being hosted in it,” said Eastland-Fairfield Superintendent and CEO Shelley Groves. “We are incredibly grateful for all of the support from the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor’s Office that helps us to provide those opportunities.”

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted greets students from Fairfield Career Center.
*Photo by Paul Vernon*

The NextGen Training Center will house three critical programs designed to meet the needs of both students and Ohio’s growing industries:
● High School Welding: Expanding on Eastland-Fairfield’s existing welding offerings, this will be the district’s second high school welding program, providing students with access to state-of-the-art equipment and hands-on training, preparing them for high-demand careers in manufacturing and skilled trades.
● Adult Broadband Infrastructure Training Program (BIT): As demand for skilled professionals in broadband infrastructure continues to grow, this program will equip adult learners with the technical expertise necessary to support Ohio’s expanding digital infrastructure, including broadband installation and maintenance.
● High School 5G/Lineman: To further supplement the demand for network infrastructure systems in Ohio, the 5G/Lineman program will focus on preparing students for careers managing fiber optic, broadband, and 5G networks. This includes installation and maintenance in commercial, industrial, and residential settings.

The NextGen Training Center will feature lab spaces for the Welding and Broadband Infrastructure Training programs, as well as seven large classroom learning spaces to accommodate additional students.

The Welding lab will be outfitted with 30 state-of-the-art individual welding booths combined with the most current technology for advanced training. The shared 5G/Lineman and BIT program space will feature eight 32-foot utility poles for skill development and safety training.