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RBV Celebrates Opening of New Construction & Welding Building

The 9,000-square-foot building offers first-of-its-kind North County Career Technical Education  professional-grade learning for in-demand career paths

 Civic leaders gather to celebrate the opening of the brand new Career Technical Education

Despite a day filled with rain and even tornado warnings in central San Diego, the evening of Tuesday, February 6th, saw students and staff from Rancho Buena Vista High School, along with Vista Unified School District leadership, City of Vista and civic leaders gather to celebrate the opening of the brand new Career Technical Education (CTE) building at RBV.

Guests were greeted by the RBV cheerleaders as the school’s marching band and drum line played a selection of celebratory tunes to set the mood. Vista High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC presented the flag and led the Pledge of Allegiance before RBV Principal Dr. Jose Villareal greeted the assembled audience.

Attendees heard inspiring stories from students Avalon Millard and Crizeyda Rodgriguez about the meaning these CTE pathway classes hold and the opportunities they create for them and their classmates. 
A Group of Students Playing Musical Instruments.

Vista USD Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle spoke to the wide-ranging, collaborative effort that a project of this magnitude takes, expressing gratitude to the district’s board, the City of Vista and its council members, the Chamber of Commerce, many local businesses, as well as the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.

VUSD Board President Martha Alvarado, CBZOC Chair Linda Latimer, and VUSD COO Dr. Shawn Loescher also spoke about the meaning of a project of this scope. Before the ribbon was cut to open the space, Fernando Hernandez, representing California State Senator Catherine Blakespear, presented a certificate to mark the occasion.

Equipping Students for In-Demand Careers
The 9,000-square-foot facility, part of the district’s Measure LL Bond project.

The 9,000-square-foot facility, part of the district’s Measure LL Bond project, offers high school students comprehensive training in construction and welding, classes that connect directly to in-demand career pathways in San Diego County. Participating students in the CTE program have already found work and entry points into these industries.

Construction and welding students will join a host of honored guests for the Feb. 6th ribbon-cutting, including Vista Unified Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle, Board President Martha Alvarado, Citizens Bond Oversight Committee member Linda Latimer, and California State Senator for the 38th District Fernando Hernandez.

“Our new CTE building at Rancho Buena Vista is a crown jewel of our Career Technical Education efforts,” says Vista Unified Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle. “This space, combined with our amazing teachers, will solidify Vista Unified as a premier destination for students wanting to pursue careers in these in-demand, well-paying jobs that power our local economy and communities. It is a testament to the commitment of our community to invest in the next generation of leaders.”

Construction on the building began in the summer of 2022, and students were welcomed into the space on January 10th, 2024 as the new school semester began.

The building takes student learning opportunities to new heights, offering world-class facilities and professional-grade equipment that students interested in these careers will use; the building accelerates students’ skills and knowledge in these fields. 

Beyond Wood Shop; Virtual to Real-World Welding
Beyond Wood Shop; Virtual to Real-World Welding.

Construction students receive beginning and advanced training on everything from framing structures to roofing, electrical, drywall, and even concrete work. This course path equips students with a well-rounded skill set and has already led current students to summer and part-time employment in well-paying trades. 
The welding section of the building allows students to train on a state-of-the-art virtual welding machine.

The welding section of the building allows students to train on a state-of-the-art virtual welding machine. This simulated welding experience prepares learners for their transition to physical welding. The welding department is equipped with professional-grade machinery and nine welding stations, where students learn multiple methods of welding and metal fabrication.

“There are no limits,” says Construction teacher Cardenas. “We used to have to take the space into account for every project. And now you just feel like there's not a single restraint as to what kids can build. It's just amazing. We could build anything.” 
A Group of Students with Wielder helmets on Their Heads.

“We also work on developing the personal skills and behaviors that students will need,” says welding teacher Derek Mendiola. “I do behavioral and attitude assessments in my class because employers care about how you weld, but they also care about your attitude coming to work. We teach them the skills that they will be able to use when they leave high school.” 

 

 

In-Demand Jobs

According to the San Diego Workforce Partnership, there are 148,992 people employed in the Energy, Construction, & Utilities Sector in San Diego County. The forecast for growth estimates a 10% sector growth in San Diego County over the next five years. 
Students Inside Working with Wood, Measuring, and Wearing Hard Hats.

Programs like Vista Unified’s CTE pathways and the new facility at Rancho Buena Vista are primed to fulfill those employment needs. The sector provides well-paying opportunities, as jobs in infrastructure construction pay more than the national median wage, up to $91,000 per year.

“This new space lets Vista Unified offer opportunities that few schools in the country can,” says Robert Crowell, Coordinator of Career Technical Education for Vista Unified School District. “Students in these classes have already found career paths in well-paying jobs that match their passions. This building allows us to take that education even further and develop both technical and soft skills that put them miles ahead in their career journeys.”

Local media also paid attention to the celebration with coverage from these outlets:

The Vista Press

Patch

NC Daily Star