State-of-the-art skilled trades training center planned for Kansas City

Filed under High School Graduation, Skilled Trades, Skilled Trades Shortage, Trade Schools, Trades Training Programs

Pending the approval of schools boards and the availability of funding, the Kansas City School District (with the aid of some industrial partners) will open a new Engineering and Construction Academy as early as 2009. The $40 million project would address Kansas City’s lack of skilled tradespeople. According to Garry Kemp of the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council, more than 1000 new workers per year are recruited from out of the area.

“We’ve got to get the opportunities within our kids’ reach,” said Jack Bitzenburg, the local director of career and technical education.

Plans call for a high school blending high-tech training with teamwork. Upon graduation, students would be prepared for entry into a four-year university or would be able to begin an apprenticeship in a skilled trade. The first phase would involve the renovation of Anderson Annex, once an alternative high school affiliated with Manual Career and Technical Center. If the renovation goes according to plan, it would include a hands-on construction laboratory for middle school and high school students.

The Kansas City school district and industry backers as well as state and federal sources would jointly pay for the construction.

“Many of us have been dreaming about this,” said Kemp. “We’ve been at this for 10 years to make this a reality in the community.”