Morris County’s commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals was on full display as the county’s leadership, educators and community partners gathered for an open house at the newly launched Career Training Center on the County College of Morris (CCM) campus. The event marked a major milestone for the Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) as it expands its capacity, broadens its share-time programs and strengthens a regional workforce pipeline that continues to evolve with the needs of emerging industries. As education, lifestyle and workforce priorities continue to intersect across New Jersey, this development adds meaningful momentum to the county’s broader lifestyle landscape.
The celebration began with a performance by the MCVSD string ensemble, setting the tone for a showcase that blended student talent with academic innovation. Culinary arts students prepared an array of small plates and desserts for attendees, while student ambassadors guided visitors through the 46,350-square-foot facility. The building features a series of immersive learning environments designed for hands-on training in high-growth sectors including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, dental and medical assisting, supply chain operations and various technical disciplines that reflect shifting economic priorities statewide.
MCVSD officials used the event to announce that applications are now open for their share-time programs, which allow high school students to split their day between traditional coursework and career-focused technical education. The announcement drew strong interest, particularly from families and prospective students eager to take advantage of the district’s expanded capacity.
Remarks were delivered by MCVSD Superintendent Dr. Anita Champagne, Commissioner John Krickus and CCM President Dr. Anthony Iacono. The open house drew a prominent roster of county representatives, including Commissioner Douglas Cabana, Assistant County Administrator Brian Murray, MCVSD Board President Barbara Dawson and multiple CCM Trustees such as Paul Licitra, George Milonas, Loretta Gragnani and James Loveys. Their message was unified: the Career Training Center represents a transformational step in connecting education with the region’s evolving job market.
Commissioner Krickus noted that the collaboration between MCVSD and CCM is positioning students to meet the demands of fast-growing industries. He emphasized that the new facility is already opening doors for learners who want early access to marketable skills, industry certifications and pathways that lead directly to both employment and higher education.
The Career Training Center officially opened in September and adds room for several hundred additional students. Its share-time programs emphasize college readiness, trade-specific skills and industry credentials, with many offerings enabling students to earn college credits before graduating high school. The model gives juniors and seniors the flexibility to attend career-aligned technical training for half of each school day, creating a streamlined bridge between classroom learning and real-world application. Dr. Champagne underscored this advantage, highlighting how hands-on opportunities and credential-based learning give students a competitive edge when preparing for future roles.
The application window for current 10th graders is open through February 17, 2026, and students are encouraged to explore the full range of programs available on the district’s website. With increasing demand for skilled workers in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to health sciences, the district anticipates strong interest.
Dr. Iacono echoed the value of the partnership, noting that students can simultaneously build college credits and prepare for in-demand careers. This dual-benefit approach reduces costs for families while helping employers throughout the region cultivate a stronger, more versatile workforce.
The open house also welcomed a number of municipal and county leaders, including Chester Borough Mayor Janet Hoven, Denville Mayor Thomas Andes, Morris County Park Commissioners Douglas Gabel and Mohamed Seyam, and Morris County Ambassadors Henry Lee and Roberta Strater. Senior CCM administrators, including Patrick Enright, Melissa Albright, Julian Gomez and Regina Ashford, joined the event as well, reinforcing the institutional alignment behind this educational initiative.
Constructed at a cost of $26.8 million, the Career Training Center was funded through a combination of support from the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act and Morris County. Its location—adjacent to CCM’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center and the soon-to-open Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science Center—establishes a concentrated hub for technical education, entrepreneurial development and workforce training. Together, these facilities form a growing regional nexus for students seeking high-value pathways into competitive fields.
For families, students and employers throughout Morris County, the Career Training Center represents an exciting chapter in the county’s long-term workforce strategy. The expansion signals an investment not only in education but in the broader economic ecosystem that continues to shape life in the region. Those interested in learning more about the programs offered through MCVSD and CCM can explore their respective websites for full details and enrollment guidance.
With its modern infrastructure, strong institutional partnerships and focus on next-generation careers, Morris County is making a definitive statement about the future of technical education in New Jersey—and the opportunities it intends to create for its residents.
