Vista, CA — On Tuesday, February 6th, students and staff from Rancho Buena Vista High School, along with Vista Unified School District leadership and city officials, will celebrate the opening of a brand new Career Technical Education (CTE) building (1601 Longhorn Dr, Vista, CA 92081).
The 9,000-square-foot facility, part of the district’s Measure LL Bond project, offers high school students comprehensive training in construction and welding, classes that connect directly to in-demand career pathways in San Diego County. Participating students in the CTE program have already found work and entry points into these industries.
Construction and welding students will join a host of honored guests for the Feb. 6th ribbon-cutting, including Vista Unified Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle, Board President Martha Alvarado, Citizens Bond Oversight Committee member Linda Latimer, and California State Senator for the 38th District Fernando Hernandez.
Ahead of the ribbon cutting ceremony, students and teachers are available for interviews on campus between 1:50 and 3:20 PM on Feb. 6th. Students will complete construction and welding projects.
“Our new CTE building at Rancho Buena Vista is a crown jewel of our Career Technical Education efforts,” says Vista Unified Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle. “This space, combined with our amazing teachers, will solidify Vista Unified as a premier destination for students wanting to pursue careers in these in-demand, well-paying jobs that power our local economy and communities. It is a testament to the commitment of our community to invest in the next generation of leaders.”
Construction on the building began in the summer of 2022, and students were welcomed into the space on January 10th, 2024 as the new school semester began.
The building takes student learning opportunities to new heights, offering world-class facilities and professional-grade equipment that students interested in these careers will use; the building accelerates students’ skills and knowledge in these fields.
Beyond Wood Shop; Virtual to Real-World Welding
Construction students receive beginning and advanced training on everything from framing structures to roofing, electrical, drywall, and even concrete work. This course path equips students with a well-rounded skill set and has already led current students to summer and part-time employment in well-paying trades.
The welding section of the building allows students to train on a state-of-the-art virtual welding machine. This simulated welding experience prepares learners for their transition to physical welding. The welding department is equipped with professional-grade machinery and nine welding stations, where students learn multiple methods of welding and metal fabrication.
“There are no limits,” says Construction teacher Cardenas. “We used to have to take the space into account for every project. And now you just feel like there’s not a single restraint as to what kids can build. It’s just amazing. We could build anything.”
“We also work on developing the personal skills and behaviors that students will need,” says welding teacher Derek Mendiola. “I do behavioral and attitude assessments in my class because employers care about how you weld, but they also care about your attitude coming to work. We teach them the skills that they will be able to use when they leave high school.”
In-Demand Jobs
According to the San Diego Workforce Partnership there are 148,992 people employed in the Energy, Construction, & Utilities Sector in San Diego County. The forecast for growth estimates a 10% sector growth in San Diego County over the next five years.
Programs like Vista Unified’s CTE pathways and the new facility at Rancho Buena Vista are primed to fulfill those employment needs. The sector provides well-paying opportunities, as jobs in infrastructure construction pay more than the national median wage, up to $91,000 per year.
“This new space lets Vista Unified offer opportunities that few schools in the country can,” says Robert Crowell, Coordinator of Career Technical Education for Vista Unified School District. “Students in these classes have already found career paths in well-paying jobs that match their passions. This building allows us to take that education even further and develop both technical and soft skills that put them miles ahead in their career journeys.”
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDIA: For media wishing to capture images of students working on projects, class visits will be available between 1:50 and 3:20 PM on Tuesday, February 6th. Please RSVP for these spots as we need to plan for the safety of visitors. Students and teachers are available for interviews.
RIBBON-CUTTING EVENT DETAILS
What: Career Technical Education Building Ribbon Cutting
When: Tuesday, February 6th, 2024; 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Where: Rancho Buena Vista High School. 1601 Longhorn Dr, Vista, CA 92081
Who: A speaker list and agenda are included here:
Student Emcee
National Anthem & Colors: AFJROTC
Construction/Welding Student
Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle
Board President Ms. Martha Alvarado
Citizens Bond Oversight Committee President Linda Latimer
Rancho Buena Vista High School Principal Dr. Jose Villareal
CA State Representative Fernando Hernandez – Certificate Presentation
Vista Unified Chief Operations Office Dr. Shawn Loescher
Ribbon Cutting: All Board Members of Vista Unified School District
