RALEIGH, N.C. (October 2, 2026) – On Manufacturing Day, Wake Tech is spotlighting proposed investments in the hands-on training that helps students prepare for technical careers across Wake County.

The $149.1 million Wake Tech Workforce Forward Bond, on the November 3 ballot, includes $12 million to expand skilled trades training at Southern Wake Campus. The funding would expand Welding Technology, Electrical Systems Technology and HVAC labs in Ready Hall, along with upgrades to ventilation and cooling.

Another $5 million would expand the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence at Scott Northern Wake Campus. Plans include vehicle stackers, covered parking and electric vehicle charging stations to support electric vehicle training and the Mazda MAST and MoparCAP programs.

"Wake County's growth is increasing demand for people with the skills to keep our communities safe, care for our families and support our economy," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. "These investments would give Wake Tech more capacity to prepare students for those careers while updating the facilities and technology that support their learning."

The skilled trades and automotive projects are part of $41 million in proposed workforce program expansion. The bond also includes $20 million for public safety training, $2 million for Dental Hygiene and $2 million for planning the future Conlon Western Wake Campus.

Beyond those projects, the proposal would provide $65 million to renovate facilities at Southern Wake Campus, Wake Tech's original campus, where many buildings date to the 1950s through the 1970s. The renovations would improve spaces used for Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology, engineering and architecture, and Construction Management Technology. An additional $43.1 million would renew collegewide infrastructure, technology and equipment.

"These projects address both immediate workforce needs and the condition of facilities that serve students every day," Ralls said. "They would help Wake Tech continue to meet the needs of a growing county."

For more information about the proposed bond, visit www.waketech.edu/2026bond.