Rowan College of South Jersey expanding CTE space, rolls out new labs and training pathways

Dr. Brenden Rickards, representing Rowan College of South Jersey, told the Gloucester County Workforce Development Board on April 1 that construction on an expanded career and technical education (CTE) building is underway and the college is targeting a spring 2027 opening. He said state and federal approvals are in place for trade certificates in welding, HVAC, electrical and carpentry that will qualify for federal aid, but that hands-on instruction requiring the new facility will not be available until it opens.

Rickards also announced the First Harvest Financial Innovation Lab at the RCSJ/Rastelli Business & Corporate Center, a partnership with First Harvest Credit Union designed to provide classroom-to-real-world financial literacy resources and exercises. The lab, he said, is intended to give students and One-Stop customers practical experience with financial tools and counseling in a dedicated space.

On health-care training, Rickards said RCSJ and Inspira Health have designed a surgical technology program that is in the early stages of accreditation and in final phases of state approval. He said interested students may begin in the health-science pathway now, but that full enrollment in the surgical-technology credential will await the program’s final approvals.

RCSJ staff reported the college is working to integrate artificial intelligence across curricula — not only in standalone courses but as an element of CTE instruction — and is developing noncredit, two-phase short programs covering introductory AI and management ethics for mid-level supervisors. The college is also pursuing pre-apprenticeship models and short-term upskilling offerings with unions and employers; staff said conversations are underway with carpenters and firms in small nuclear and power sectors and that Brigette Satchell is pursuing grants focused on justice-involved individuals and other priority populations.

Rickards and RCSJ staff also told the board that the college has been awarded two vendor contracts by the WDB to provide career services, using a model that sequences WIOA and WorkFirst NJ clients through career readiness and placement supports.

Next steps noted in the meeting: the CTE expansion’s targeted spring 2027 opening, continued pursuit of accreditation and state approval for the surgical technology credential, and advancement of grant and employer partnerships to stand up the pre-apprenticeship and AI-integrated offerings.