PA Career and Technology Center Completes Major Overhaul

By Eric Althoff

READING, Pa.—The Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center (CTE) has upgraded its facilities to expand its welding and machining instruction areas.

The revamp includes 8,000 square feet of new space for the welding classes, and the machining educational areas will then be moved into the older welding classrooms. Both career specialties are in demand in Pennsylvania and more broadly. The school’s program is already accredited by the Welder Training & Testing Institute.

Jim Sarro of MG Architects designed the expansion, and the firm worked with general contractor Balton Construction on the $5 million project.

According to information provided to School Construction News from MG Architects, a feasibility study was conducted first in order to determine how much work would be needed. It was determined that the best path forward was to fashion an entirely new building. The new building features a workroom, locker rooms, storage area as well as an outdoor welding area.

A mid-September ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the new welding and machining training facilities at the school.