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Robeson County’s new career and technical education center nears completion; district schedules tentative open house
Summary
District leaders reported near‑completion of the new Career & Technical Education Center and planetarium, shared photos of culinary, mechatronics and an ambulance simulator, and said staff training will begin ahead of a tentative late‑August community open house.
District officials told the board on July 14 that construction and equipment installation at the new Career & Technical Education (CTE) and science center is nearly finished and that staff training will begin in the coming weeks.
"This place is at almost a 100% complete and could occupy individuals immediately," Bob Lockley, who presented the construction update, said while showing photos and video of interior labs. Lockley highlighted culinary and automotive labs, the planetarium seating, mechatronics equipment and an ambulance simulator that will be wrapped and equipped to operate as training hardware.
Facilities leaders said staff have begun—or will soon begin—equipment training and owner‑training sessions, and the district intends to move students in once punch‑list items and final inspections are complete. Presenters said the district expects to serve roughly 250 students next semester and to scale toward a full capacity target of about 500 in the morning and 500 in the afternoon once all programs are running.
Officials listed tentative late‑August dates for an open house and community tours but described the dates in the packet as tentative while contractors finish remaining punch‑list items and warranty documentation. Board members asked how the district will repurpose the current Hill branch facility; administrators said inventory and follow‑up decisions will be made after the move‑in date is firmed up.
The board was shown equipment highlights including a laser automotive alignment machine, multiple welding booths with individual air purification, mechatronics rigs that support certification opportunities, and a planetarium star ball. Leaders said several local businesses have already expressed interest in participating in the CTE reverse‑internship model once the facility has six months of operation under its belt.
The district will provide finalized open‑house dates and an equipment‑transfer plan to board members when turnover from Metcon and associated contractors is complete.
