About the Project
Nashoba Valley Technical High School (NVTHS) recently initiated a substantial expansion project, utilizing a $3.75 million grant from the state’s Chapter 74 Vocational Instructional Space Facility Expansion Program. This investment allowed NVTHS to build a new wing on the eastern side of the campus, creating a modern manufacturing, robotics, and design training facility.
The new addition accommodates four interconnected programs under one roof: Programming & Web Development, Engineering Technology, Robotics, and Advanced Manufacturing. This layout encourages collaboration among students and staff across related disciplines, enhancing the learning experience and promoting interdisciplinary skills development.
Construction and Design
The construction and design phase of the NVTHS expansion project was marked by efficiency and thoughtful planning. Breaking ground in April, the new wing was completed in a mere four months, minimizing disruption to school activities and ensuring readiness for the September 2024 school year. The design process showcased meticulous attention to detail, incorporating a thin brick system with custom-colored grout to seamlessly blend with the existing structure. A heated connector was built on-site to link the new addition to the main building, facilitating easy access across all programs and services. Practical considerations were also addressed, with the western elevation featuring a garage door for loading materials and machinery, while other egress points were equipped with ramps to ensure ADA accessibility. This careful approach to construction and design resulted in a functional, aesthetically pleasing addition that integrates smoothly with the existing campus infrastructure.
Collaboration and Success
The success of this project was primarily due to the collaboration between NVTHS and Triumph Modular. Jeff Scheminger, NVTHS Technical Director, praised the partnership: “Triumph Modular, from start to finish, helped us through. They made it work. We collaborated very well with them. There were a whole lot of things we didn’t know, and they did.”
This expansion project enhances NVTHS’s educational capabilities. It demonstrates the school’s commitment to providing cutting-edge vocational training facilities for its students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce.