PEMBROKE — Each day, renderings continue to come to life as crews work diligently on the Robeson Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), steadily moving the project toward its anticipated August opening.
The Center will serve as a hub for innovation, skill-building and career readiness, aligning educational opportunities with the evolving demands of the workforce in Robeson County and beyond. Robeson CTEC will replace the current Robeson County Career Center and house Career and Technical Education Programs along with the newly constructed Robeson Planetarium and Science Center.
“We are nearing the closeout phase of the project. This would include testing, commissioning, final inspections, and punch lists,” said Randall Bishop, who serves as Project Manager with Metcon.
Crews could be seen installing vinyl graphics on various walls inside the building and paving the parking lot earlier this week. As more equipment arrives and the opening date draws closer, workers will remain busy installing, testing and inspecting equipment, completing final finishes, and preparing the facility to welcome students and staff in the 2026-2027 school year.
Training is underway for the planetarium’s projection system with trainers traveling from Japan to Robeson County to ensure the state-of-the-art system is ready to deliver an immersive educational experience for students and visitors.
Programs available in the new center will include the new Drone Technology, Culinary Arts and Mechatronics programs along with Welding, Automotive Technology, Drafting Engineering, Computer Engineering, Network Engineering, EMT, Graphic and Webpage Design, Carpentry, Masonry, Plumbing and Electrical. The Robeson Planetarium and Science Center will include a planetarium space, lobby and makerspace where students can participate in engaging science lessons and hands-on STEM activities.
Timeline
Sitework began in the summer of 2023, following the September 2022 ribbon cutting ceremony at the site. However, the project has been more than a decade in the making, with PSRC CTE Director Herman Locklear recalling that the first plan and renderings were produced in 2012.
As materials and equipment arrive in the coming weeks and staff continue to take part in training, anticipation continues to build for the community and for PSRC staff.
“We are very excited about the process of seeing these renderings come to life. It has been such an amazing experience to watch these professionals work and to see their expertise in the design and construction of this building,” said PSRC Chief Communications Officer Jessica Sealey.
The district plans to host a grand opening ceremony and tours of the building in August.
“We will release more information related to these event dates as the project progresses completion,” Sealey said.
As the facility moves closer to welcoming students and visitors, those overseeing the project say collaboration, problem-solving and careful planning have been key to keeping the project on track.
“As with all construction projects, surprise obstacles can cause delays. Me and my team strive daily to remove those obstacles and figure out ways to push the project forward. With that said, our current schedule shows us completing before the first day of school,” Bishop said.
Impact
Spanning nearly 110,000 square feet, the new Career and Technical Center will offer dynamic learning environments, including collaborative workspaces and a Learning Commons area. These modern spaces are designed to simulate real-world work settings, helping students develop the technical and soft skills that employers are seeking.
“From the thoughtful design of our architects at SfL+a Architects to the work of Metcon, this state-of-the-art facility is built to last and to make an impact that will forever change Robeson County,” Sealey added.
By equipping students with hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials and pathways to certifications, this facility will serve as a critical talent pipeline for local industries—attracting new businesses and supporting economic growth in Robeson County for decades to come.
“There is a real shortage of skilled trades professionals across North Carolina, and that demand continues to grow,” Bishop said. “This facility represents an investment in our future workforce. The students who walk through these doors will help build the future of Robeson County.”
The Center will house 15 classrooms and four industry labs. These labs will provide industry partners with opportunities to train students, helping to develop a skilled workforce and prepare future employees.
“By aligning educational opportunities with industry demands, we can better equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to succeed in today’s workforce. As a result, graduates will be better prepared for high-demand careers and we anticipate a significant positive impact on our county’s economic growth and development,” said PSRC CTE Director Herman Locklear.
The project reflects PSRC's commitment to addressing the growing need for a highly skilled workforce by preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers while helping to close North Carolina's educational attainment gap. This effort aligns with statewide workforce and education goals that highlight the need for increased credential and degree attainment by 2030.
According to myFutureNC, the statewide goal is to “have 2 million North Carolinians aged 25-44 hold an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree by 2030.”
“Robeson CTEC will be a beacon of opportunity for our county, state and region when it comes to educational attainment,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
“The skills, knowledge, and credentials our students gain through this center will empower them to make meaningful contributions wherever their careers take them. We know that this center will be a catalyst for preparing the next generation of leaders and skilled professionals,” he added.
Funding
The $87.2 million Robeson CTEC project is being made possible through a combination of state, county and local funding sources. Funding includes $62 million from the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund, $2.5 million from the Robeson County Board of Commissioners, $2.5 million from Public Schools of Robeson County, and $5 million allocated by state legislators, including Danny Britt, to replace the planetarium and science center destroyed during the Hurricane Matthew. The remaining $15.2 million will be jointly funded by the county and the school district, each covering half.
For more information about Robeson CTEC or the planetarium, visit robeson.k12.nc.us.
Welding Area
Science Center Lobby
Culinary Arts Kitchen Area
