Belleville, IL – Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) is pleased to announce the expansion of Career Technology Education (CTE) programming to the Red Bud campus and the construction of a new seven thousand eight hundred (7,800) square foot facility.

The expansion of the CTE program to the Red Bud Campus will significantly enhance educational opportunities at the campus and the region, providing modern facilities beneficial for workforce training. The project aligns with SWIC’s strategic objectives to enhance educational facilities and meet the growing demand for career-focused education in the region. Proposed programs will provide learning and skill development in vocational and technical fields. The location of the future academy on campus grounds is strategically placed with building and programming additions in mind for the future, and ensures Illinois to be a change agent in the manufacturing sector. Construction of the new facility equipped with the latest CTE training equipment will support student enrollment across the southern Illinois region and boost the confidence of industrial partners—and the community—by illustrating SWIC’s dedication to and investment in these industries.

The Board of Trustees has previously approved a contract with Farnsworth Group for architectural services and with Holland Construction for preconstruction work for the project. SWIC is making a financial commitment that would amount to approximately $5.5M, with funding stemming from Series 2023 Bond proceeds sold in December 2023. Construction completion is expected by Spring 2026, weather permitting. SWIC anticipates serving students through the facility Fall 2026.

SWIC Board member, Tracy Vallett, Sub-District 1 – Red Bud, is excited for the new opportunities this facility will afford to students in the southern-most school districts in the region. She says, “I am thrilled to see the growth on Red Bud’s campus and am proud of SWIC’s commitment to accessibility and transportation. The opening of this new facility will provide a local option for quality education in trades and transfer programs. With the expansion of previously established programming to our southern district students, we will now be able to serve traditional and non-traditional students with training and education that helps them enter the workforce faster.”

Planned programming for the new facility will include the expansion of previously established programming such as Allied Health, welding, plumbing, and construction management while also offering a facility that is adaptable to new and transfer programs.