Liverpool, N.Y. — On Wednesday, the Liverpool Central School District marked the finish of a major renovation to its Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony and an open house for residents. The upgraded facility on Wetzel Road now houses advanced tools such as 3‑D printers, a laser engraver and other industry‑grade equipment, giving students hands‑on experience that prepares them for skilled careers after graduation.
Students showcase new capabilities
Senior Jacob Lachenauer described how the modern machines have allowed him to create projects that serve as teaching examples for his teachers. “I’ve been able to use multiple of our advanced machines, like our 3‑D printers and laser engraver, where I’ve been able to make projects that are examples for teachers to use to teach students,” he said.
Another senior, Harper Foriero, who is studying media production, praised the shift from traditional classroom instruction to real‑world practice. “Rather than just sitting at a desk watching the whiteboard, having them lecture us, we actually get real‑world experience,” she explained.
Enrollment growth reflects regional demand
Executive Principal Dr. Briana O’Brian reported that the academy has expanded from just seven students when it opened to more than 200 enrolled across its various programs. She emphasized that the growth aligns with a pressing need for skilled workers as experienced employees retire and Central New York prepares for large‑scale projects, including Micron’s planned semiconductor manufacturing complex in nearby Clay.
“We have a workforce that is retiring, and we have been a very college‑going‑focused system for a long time,” O’Brian said. “But what we are finding is that there are major gaps in our workforce right now, and so we need to fill those gaps with students who are graduating from our programs.”
Curriculum balances work and further education
The academy’s model lets students pursue career pathways while completing their traditional high‑school coursework. The goal is to equip them with practical skills and industry connections that can lead directly to employment, while still keeping the door open for post‑secondary education.
O’Brian also highlighted the importance of adaptability. As artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape the workplace, the district stresses that students must retain strong hands‑on abilities and the flexibility to learn new tools.
Investment in the community’s future
The renovation represents an investment of roughly $70 million, according to O’Brian. The new building was designed to respond to current workforce shortages and to support economic development throughout the region. District leaders see the academy as a cornerstone for giving young people more options after graduation—whether they choose to enter the workforce, continue their education, or combine both paths.
Community members who attended the open house toured the modern labs, watched student demonstrations and voiced support for the district’s forward‑looking approach to education and job training.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
