Staff photo / Bob Coupland A groundbreaking ceremony took place Friday for a new addition to the Trumbull Career and Technical Center in Champion. From left are Paula Baco, high school director for TCTC; Jerry Gorgie, facilities supervisor at TCTC; Cody Holecko, treasurer / chief financial officer; Paul Romanic, an architect with GPD; and Jason Gray, TCTC superintendent.

CHAMPION — The Trumbull Career and Technical Center will add onto its building, creating a new industrial technology, career exploration and resource center area.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the 15,000-square foot addition to the 1977 building took place Friday.

Work is being done by DeSalvo Construction to create areas for industrial technology, career exploration lab and office space. GPD group was the project’s architect.

Paula Baco, director of the TCTC high school program, said “this center will serve as a hub for workforce development, mental health care access and student success, providing critical resources and pathways for students, families, job seekers and employers across the region.”

Baco said the project will expand the center’s industrial technology program, which includes robotics, hydraulics and electrical, expand career exploration options for students and expand mental health programming.

TCTC offers a welding program.

“We wanted to do more in the manufacturing pathway. We have been told by our business partners that if we train students in diverse advanced manufacturing pathways, they would hire them. This adds programs that we did not have. We want all students to have a career pathway to success. Cadence Care, which provides mental health services for our students, will provide a space for the community,” Baco said.

She said Ohio Means Jobs also will share office space to help with job seeking and resume writing.

She said career exploration will be provided for all grade levels to help students see what careers are available..

Baco said the Mahoning Valley Manufacturing Coalition has supported what TCTC is doing and offers an apprenticeship program for students.

She said the project is funded by the Appalachian Community Innovation Centers grant and made possible through strong partnerships and community collaboration.

TCTC Superintendent Jason Gray said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunity and access throughout our community.

“The center will equip students with hands-on career exploration, provide support for mental wellness and foster direct connections with workforce development services,” Gray said.

Matt Kresic, CEO for Cadence Care Network, said since 2017, Cadence Care has had a presence at TCTC, collaborating to provide school-based mental health services with two licensed therapists.

Kresic said with the expansion, Cadence Care will be able to provide increased access to health services and support services for both individuals and groups.

“We will be here not only during school hours but throughout the year for the community. This shows the students they are never alone and someone is there to support them,” he said,

Kim Barrell, a TCTC board member from Niles and administrator with Ohio Means Jobs, said TCTC “is the best kept secret in Trumbull County.”

She said the vision of Ohio Means Jobs aligns with the TCTC’s goals to help students and their families through various programs.

“We look forward to being able to offer our services to help build the future pipelines to our employers here in the county with all the wonderful programs that TCTC is offering,” Barrel said

Gray said there is a call from regional manufacturers and business leaders who need highly skilled graduates to fill in-demand positions especially in robotics and manufacturing.

He said students will complete programs and earn industry recognized credentials, gain hands-on experience and step into high-demand jobs across the state.

“Together we are growing the next generation of problem solvers, caregivers and creators,” Gray said.