Western Iowa Tech’s Career Academy Anticipates Grand Opening in August 2025

From Agriculture to Auto Technology, Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) will be humming as a hub of Career and Technical Education (CTE) once its new, multi-million dollar Career Academy swings open its doors in the fall of 2025.

As the Western Iowa Advantage (WIAD) celebrates Career and Technical Education (CTE), it’s also acknowledging the boom the academy will bring to the community, creating a viable pipeline of talented students to service workforce needs throughout the region and beyond.

“Seeing this vision go from dream to reality is reflective of the collaborative spirit shared between our industry leaders and the Denison, Boyer Valley, Maple Valley Anthon Oto-Charter Oak Ute, Odebolt Arthur-Battle Creek Ida Grove, and Woodbine school districts,” said Paul Plumb, Executive Director, Chamber & Development Council of Crawford County. “We’re excited to watch a new generation of CTE leaders emerge from the classrooms.”

Funding for the facility got a boost in 2022 after Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education awarded WITCC a $1 million Career Academy Incentive Fund grant. 

A Crucial Step

“Our students who are enrolled in WITCC courses are acquiring college credits and job skills. They will enter the next phase of their life, whether it be enrolling in a community college, a four-year college, or the workforce, with an advantage,” said Denison Superintendent Dr. Kim Buryanek. “Denison High School graduates have college credits and job skills that other high school graduates may not have. The expansion of the regional career academy will provide this same advantage to other students from area high schools. We will be able to provide more high school graduates with job skills to enter CTE-inspired jobs in western Iowa.”

According to a recent article by the Wall Street Journal, the shifting interest from white to blue-collar jobs is being attributed to disenchantment with the soaring cost of a traditional college education and lackluster starting salaries within traditional fields of business.

Education Data seconded the notion, pegging the national student loan debt to over $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate being saddled with $106,850. And Sallie Mae predicts that students can expect to pay an average of $36,436/year for college, almost double the $17,600/year for attending trade school.

“The construction of this new facility is a crucial step in strengthening career and technical education in Western Iowa,” said Sandy Velasquez, WITCC’s Director of Denison Campus & Southern Service Area. “By expanding hands-on training opportunities, WITCC is preparing students for high-demand industries, including business, agriculture, autobody, and education. Additionally, thanks to a recent grant, students will be able to explore pathways in nursing, HVAC, and welding. The new space will allow students to train on industry-standard equipment, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. This investment will help close the regional workforce gap, support local businesses, and contribute to economic growth. By developing a skilled labor force, the facility will play a key role in sustaining and expanding CTE-related industries in Western Iowa.”

The Future Looks Bright

Once completed, the facility, consisting of a new structure on the WITCC Denison campus, will offer programs in Agriculture, Education, Business and Auto Technology. 
“The future looks bright for students in Iowa pursuing careers in the trades, especially with growing investments in CTE programs,” said Velasquez. “This academy ensures that students have access to cutting-edge training in high-demand career fields. As industries evolve, students will benefit from hands-on learning, partnerships with local employers, and affordable college credits. These opportunities will allow them to transition smoothly into the workforce. With competitive wages, job stability, and career advancement opportunities, the trades provide a promising future for Iowa’s next generation of skilled professionals.”

For more information about the Western Iowa Tech Community College's Career Academy, click here! 

WIAD is ready to take on 2025, keeping an eye on education, support, and business tours while tackling workforce attraction and housing. We are committed to facilitating ongoing improvements in our region’s economy, quality of life, and tourism. Contact us today at 712.792.9914 or info@westerniowaadvantage.com and see how easy it can be!  Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.