The Connecticut Construction Industries Association (CCIA) has made a $100,000 donation to the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) to support the transformation of Vinal Technical High School’s Carpentry shop into a new Building and Civil Construction program. This investment strengthens CTECS’ ongoing commitment to keeping its career and technical education programs closely aligned with the evolving needs of Connecticut’s construction industry.

The new program will expand beyond traditional residential carpentry to prepare students for in-demand careers in commercial and civil construction. Students will gain hands-on experience with commercial ceiling systems, concrete forming and pouring, rebar installation, structural steel, welding, and more. The program also includes instruction in job-site safety, blueprint reading, quality control, and employability skills—creating a strong foundation for students to enter the workforce.

“The staff and administration at CTECS have been doing amazing work adapting and designing curriculum to meet employer needs,” said Don Shubert, president of CCIA. “CCIA is pleased to have this opportunity to support a key program the school system is developing to build a skilled and talented workforce for the future. This contribution is an investment in creating a direct career pathway to well-paying career opportunities in the commercial construction industry.”

“This donation is a powerful example of industry stepping up to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople,” said CTECS’ Executive Director Dr. Alice Pritchard. “Our students are already gaining valuable, hands-on experience in the trades. This support from CCIA allows us to take that even further—expanding access to high-demand skills and career pathways in commercial and civil construction. We’re proud to continue evolving our programs to meet the needs of both students and industry at Vinal Tech.”

This will be the second Building and Civil Construction program at CTECS, following the launch of the pilot shop at Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden in 2023. Vinal Tech was selected as the next site due to its proximity to industry partners, existing facility space, and a future school rebuild that will support program growth.

Learn more about CTECS Building and Civil Construction Program.