Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K), a leading construction management company with deep roots in Southwest Florida, has broken ground on the much-anticipated expansion of Cape Coral Technical College (CCTC). The project marks the first major addition to the campus since it was built in 1993 and represents a major investment in workforce development for one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities.
The new 34,400-square-foot facility, located along Santa Barbara Boulevard, will house state-of-the-art programs in construction, welding, HVAC, automotive repair and marine technology. The expansion introduces six new skilled-trades programs, creating opportunities for more than 150 students annually to earn certificates in high-demand industries that are vital to Lee County’s economy.
“This project is about building opportunity for our community,” said Charlie Pease, director of Cape Coral Technical College. “Cape Coral is projected to reach nearly 400,000 residents in the next 25 years, and this expansion will ensure we have a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet that demand.”
The programs were designed in collaboration with local industry partners to directly address workforce shortages in Southwest Florida. Graduates will be prepared to step immediately into careers in critical trades, many after just one year of training. The school will also expand its dual enrollment program, allowing high school seniors to simultaneously complete industry certifications and prepare for the workforce…