Leader Stuart Tours CAVC Expansion as Final Construction Is Underway

State Representative Katie Stuart, (D-Edwardsville), who serves as Assistant Majority Leader and Floor Whip, toured the new Collinsville Area Vocational Center to see the final phase of construction and meet students who are already learning in the building. 

Leader Stuart was an early and strong advocate for this project which aligns with the State of Illinois' focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE). She was instrumental in promoting the project in Springfield to procure funding.

In 2023, the State of Illinois appropriated $25 million (SB 250; page 1024) to Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 (the governing board of Collinsville Area Vocational Center) for the expansion and renovation of CAVC.  Most of the funding was for the construction of the expansion, but a portion is allocated to renovate the existing facility to help bring-in new vocational programs.

When it’s completed, the new and improved CAVC will serve as a bigger pipeline for the trades, service industry, education careers and healthcare occupations.  The result will be more opportunities for students from Collinsville and eleven other area high schools who send students to CAVC; the potential to include additional high schools in CTE education; and a skilled workforce for current and future businesses.

“CAVC has served students for decades." said Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich, “This expansion and renovation expands career opportunities for students and provides a workforce pipeline for businesses, healthcare and industry.  Without Leader Stuart’s vision and support, this project wouldn't have been possible.”  

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and community open house events are scheduled for Friday, October 30th with additional information to follow.  

During construction of the new building, it was used as a living classroom where students  in the trades could visit the site to see firsthand how things were being built and systems installed. 

Based on the timeline of completion, some courses are already utilizing their new classrooms and shops.  

“This building was designed to serve as a living classroom, allowing students to see how the skills they learn in their classes apply on an actual job site,” said CAVC Director Joe McGinnis.

Once the new facility is fully operational, work begins on retrofitting classrooms in the current CAVC space at Collinsville High School to provide larger spaces for existing programs and accommodate new ones.

“Our sponsors are helping us equip classrooms and shops with the tools and technology students need to prepare for their careers,” said McGinnis. “The next phase of this project focuses on updating our existing facility, giving current programs more room and creating space for new offerings. Together, these improvements will expand opportunities for students and help meet the workforce needs of our communities.”

"The CAVC will benefit all our youth, especially those considering careers in the trades,” said Leader Stuart following the tour, “Discovering your career path can be difficult, but early and high-quality exposure to potential work will help point high school students in the right direction. Education isn't just about what you learn in the classroom, it's about learning about yourself and building life skills to be an asset in our society. I'm so excited for the expanded opportunities CAVC will continue to offer for young adults in our communities."

“We cannot thank Leader Stuart enough for her efforts to secure funding for expansion and renovation,” added Dr. Skertich.  “This project will benefit students and their futures for years to come.  The impact will be felt for generations and that is exciting!” 

The CAVC expansion is located at the intersection of South Morrison and Caseyville Roads in Collinsville, Ill. The property is located across from the existing CAVC building and Collinsville High School campus.