The Western Technical College [WTC] in BRF is moving to the old IGA building. Construction workers have been working on the building for awhile now to get ready for the tech. The tech is moving into the new building before the construction on it is finished.
Many people who work at the tech or attend it are very happy about the move.
“I love the move to the new location…because the new location is closer to where I spend most of my day. It cuts several minutes off of my commute,” said Tech teacher Jason Janke.
The long range plan on the new Tech building won’t be completely finished for about two years.
“It’s awesome that the tech is getting a new building, because the building that there in is very small. So it’ll be nice that they get the needed facility,” said junior Sydney Harkner.
Some of the major reasons for why WTC is moving are that, the tech outgrew the building and that the heating was subpar.
“Were moving because the old tech building was way too small. The option was to either add on or get a new location. The old tech building was freezing half the time, but it’s going to be nice to have the furnace at the new school,” said Julie Borek, WTC teacher’s aide.
Some people may be wondering why the tech is moving into their new building before construction is completely finished.
“Due to the nature of the classes we offer [blended courses over ITV,etc.] we cannot move mid-semester, this has to be a between-semesters-move,” said Janke. “Also, the funding necessary to complete the new building as we would like it , cannot be approved in the allotted time frame in which we wanted to move.”
As of right now, only half of the building is prepared.
“WTC feels that the geographic move will enhance our visibility in the community and create more demand for our services,” said Janke. “In addition, the new location is more convenient for students who are now closer to restaurants, convenience stores,etc. It’s a “big-picture” move for the WTC; our ability to grow was maxed out with the “old” building.”
With the tech just moving to their new building it’s obviously not going to be tidy.
“The first time I walked into the new building it was a mess. Of course because there were boxes everywhere, tables not put together, computers in boxes and everything was overwhelming,” said Borek. “Everyday it’s getting better and I think we will like our new place. I wish the building could be all finished but that isn’t possible because just like any business, the college has a limited amount of funds. Patience is a virtue.”
Many may be wondering when the Tech will be completely finished.
“The first phase of the building should be done by the end of the week. All of the classrooms and offices on the east side of the building are looking great. The other half of the building won’t be done for approximately 18 months,” said Borek. “The facility is really nice. The bathrooms are really modern, the heat works really well. Half of the inside is like a new building, the other half is like a big warehouse, but they’ll be working on it.”
