Waubonsee to Break Ground on New Technical Education Center
Waubonsee Community College invites the public to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Technical Education Center (TEC). The event will take place on Tuesday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. on the south end of the Sugar Grove Campus.
“This groundbreaking ceremony represents a significant milestone for the college,” explained Waubonsee President Dr. Brian Knetl. “The building we’re constructing is a clear demonstration of Waubonsee’s commitment to providing students with the latest technology, hands-on experience, and training to prepare them for high-skill, high-demand, and high-wage careers in Illinois and beyond.”
Upon completion in fall 2025, the 100,000-square-foot building will house Waubonsee's Auto Body Repair, Automotive Technology, and Welding Technology Programs. The plans include larger, dedicated labs with specialized equipment to increase enrollment capacities and allow additional program growth in diesel technology, electric vehicles, welding fabrication, and robotic welding.
Associate Professor of Automotive Technology Guy Tiberio said, "What excites me about the new building is having a functional shop that will allow us to train students in the way that they're going to be expected to work in the field today."
The TEC is expected to cost $60 million and will be located near the south entrance of the Sugar Grove Campus, visible from Route 47. It will function as a collaboration hub and promote economic development in the region by addressing the high demand but critical labor shortage in these professions.
Recently, Waubonsee was chosen to be one of 16 schools to participate in the Mopar® Career Automotive Program (CAP) competition. The competition involves technical and curriculum-based bracket "knockout"-style contests, and its main objective is to highlight the significant shortage of automotive technicians in the real world while preparing students to enter the workforce.
Learn how Waubonsee is driving the local workforce forward by meeting the needs of students, employers, and the broader community. Join us in celebrating the ceremonial groundbreaking of the TEC building. RSVP today by visiting waubonsee.edu/TEC.
