Economic Development

New Career Training Center Breaks Ground in Morris County

$24.8 Million Joint MCVSD & CCM Project Officially Underway

Morris County, state and local elected officials gathered on campus at the County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph this morning for a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction of a new career training center that will give 500 more students the opportunity to pursue in-demand programs through Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD).

The new center will expand MCVSD operations by 30 percent, while exposing career-focused and college-bound high school students to the type of specialized skills that will lead them to successful futures.

“We are providing skills for our residents to build a career, the career provides a good income building a home and family, skilled employees allow companies to innovate and build products right here in Morris County USA,” said Commissioner Director John Krickus, who was joined by the full board of County Commissioners at the event.

View Photos from the September 27, 2023 Groundbreaking

The two-story, 45,940 square-foot Center will cost $24.8 million, with Morris County contributing $6.2 million of funding and the state providing $18.6 million under the Securing Our Children’s Future (SOCF) Bond Act. Director Krickus added that the county will also cover increased operating expenses once the facility is constructed.

“When this new building is complete, we will be able to serve an additional 500 students from Morris County in their junior and senior years. They will have access to a variety of career training programs while also gaining college credits and industry credentials,” said Scott Moffitt, Superintendent of the MCVSD.

The expansion will utilize a dual enrollment model, which provides an opportunity to earn high school and college credits simultaneously while at MCVSD. Its primary emphasis will be on offering students the chance to earn accrue up to 20 college credits, industry-recognized credentials, and engage in work-based and project-based learning experiences.

“The mission of CCM is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals for a brighter tomorrow and fostering regional, economic development and growth. Our partnership resulting in this cutting-edge facility further enhances our thriving initiatives and collaborations with the community,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President of CCM.

View the Career Training Center PowerPoint Presentation

In-demand technical skill programs offered at the Career Training Center will include:

 

  • Medical Coding & Billing
  • Certified Medical Assistant
  • Dental Assistant
  • Emergency Medical Technician / Pre-Paramedic
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Networking Administration
  • Mechatronics / Robotics / Automation
  • Renewable Energy Technology – Wind & Solar
  • Entrepreneurship / Small Business Management
  • Supply Chain Management

“This project will be built with exactly what our students are looking for today. An opportunity to get a head start, an opportunity to get a great education, an opportunity to explore fields in the STEM industry, in healthcare, where the demand is high and where they can succeed,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco.

The Career Training Center will be built next to the Advanced Manufacturing Center at CCM, which also has plans for a new Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science Center on campus. A groundbreaking ceremony for this project is scheduled for November 2023. A construction schedule for the new Career Training Center is in development that will be dependent on weather and constituency in the supply chain of materials.

 

The project was made possible through collaboration among CCM and its Trustees, MCVSD and its Board of Education members, federal and state legislators, Morris County and the Board of County Commissioners, and the Township of Randolph and Councilmembers. Details on the project were presented to the Board of County Commissioners at their January 26, 2022 public meeting.