Housed in the former Windings Inc. main plant on South Valley Street, donated to the school district by Carol, Susan and Roger Ryberg, the career technical education center provides students with academic and technical skills, knowledge and training to succeed in future careers and become lifelong learners.

The public-private partnership in a 30,000 square foot complex that opened this fall is designed to give students career exposure to the skilled trades.

They can earn certificates and credentials in welding, manufacturing, construction, automotive/auto body, machining, milling, cabinetry, small gas engine/ ATV repair, mechatronics (integrated engineering) and robotics.

Dist. 88 had similar programming in the past but federal and state budget cuts to school programs and state-mandated college preparation emphasis reduced vocational course options.

Makenna Simpson, left, and Cooper Jensen operate screen printing machines at the new Dist. 88 CTE Center in the former Windings, Inc. site.

Recently, interest in CTE programs increased due to a skilled workforce shortage that is anticipated to continue.

All students in Dist. 88 boundaries can enroll in CTE courses. After the 2021-22 school year, enrollment will expand to students in other districts. Local businesses, community education, Big Ideas (a New Ulm non-profit group that creates building trade classes), will be able to use the space.

Dist. 88 Supt. Jeff Bertrang said introductory CTE classes for 9th and 10th graders are held at New Ulm High School and advanced CTE courses are taught at the CTE Center.

At the open house Wednesday, seniors Jaden Miller and Jarrett Platz said they plan to study diesel mechanics after high school and said the new CTE Center is helping them prepare for their careers.

“I like it a lot,” Miller said of the center. “I’m an engines guy. I like all the new, air-powered tools and lifts. I’ve applied at two-year schools.”

Platz said he likes how the CTE Center is more advanced than the high school shop.

Miller and seniors Makenna Simpson, Cooper Jensen, and Evan Griebel are part of Eagle Enterprises, a student-run group designed to give real work experiences, industry level training and career plan development.

Simpson and Jensen were also busy with screen printing machines used to custom print t-shirts.

“This prepares us for our career by teaching us about how to prepare for it,” Simpson said. “We plan to produce and sell t-shirts and flowers.”

Simpson and Jensen said they plan to study business and marketing at South Central College in North Mankato. Simpson is interested in going to insurance school and Jensen plans to study real estate after college.

“I like getting to have so much space to do screen printing and other things,” said Jensen.

The Dist. 88 CTE Center Capital Campaign has a $500,000 goal to pay for updated and new CTE. In addition, equipment donations are welcome.

The school district is conducting a Nov. 2 special election to ask voters to revoke and replace current referendums and ask for support that would provide more funds to CTE programs.

The CTE Center also plans to provide adults a place to re-certify, retain and gain technical skills for a new trade or technical career.

The two current, voter-approved referendums generate $1.8 million annual to support student programs. Many programs suport students and families with unique needs.

State and federal requirements for specific programs are not fully funded, requiring Dist. 88 to spend more than $2.2 million a year from its general fund.

All referendum voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 2 at the New Ulm Community Center. Absentee voting is available 7:30 a.m. to 4 pm. Monday through Friday in the Dist. 88 office, 414 Payne St. s. until the day prior to the election.

A referendum information meeting begins at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 25 in the NUHS auditorium, 1600 Oak St.

For more information, visit www.newulm.k12 and isd88foundation/org/CTE

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@