Skilled Trades and Technology Center

With the added expertise of Architekton, Vigil & Associates is nearing completion of the new RRPS Skilled Trades and Technology Center, a transformative renovation that repurposes a former call center into a dynamic hybrid of a vocational school and high school.

Having prior experience in designing trades schools, Vigil & Associates was able to apply that knowledge during the discussion in the visioning phase to clearly analyze the unique conditions of merging a high school with a trades school. V&A discussed with industry leaders and community leaders what the priorities of the facility should be and how to best organize the program to benefit the various pathways offered at the facility.

Designed to foster innovation and adaptability, the Skilled Trades and Technology Center provides students with a cutting-edge learning environment, equipping them with the skills needed for careers in emerging tech industries. By integrating advanced technologies and repurposing a 73,929-square-foot facility, the center prepares students for success while supporting regional economic growth. Its collaborative design encourages cross-disciplinary engagement, creating a vibrant learning community that meets the evolving demands of the skilled trades workforce.

This facility is part of a two-phase campus development, which will include both the skilled trades school and an automotive school on an adjacent lot. Shared by RRPS and CNM, the center features 11 classrooms, each designed with the necessary infrastructure to accommodate both institutions’ instructors. This flexibility allows the curriculum to evolve alongside industry trends.

Half of the facility is dedicated to hands-on training in five key trades: welding, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, and electrical. Additionally, a specialized lab supports a networking course taught by CNM. The shop labs are intentionally designed for seamless collaboration, simulating real-world working conditions. With an open layout, students from different trades can easily interact, gaining firsthand experience in teamwork and coordination—essential skills for success in their future careers.