O‑A‑K Nears Completion of Cape Coral Technical College Expansion

April 23, 2026

O‑A‑K Nears Completion of Cape Coral Technical College Expansion

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Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K) is in the final stretch of construction on the 31,000-square-foot expansion of Cape Coral Technical College, located at 360 Santa Barbara Boulevard in Cape Coral. The project is on track to be completed in time for the fall 2026 school year and represents the first major addition to the campus since it opened in 1993.

The expansion will strengthen workforce training opportunities across Southwest Florida by providing hands-on education and industry-recognized credentials in high-demand skilled trades. At full capacity, Cape Coral Technical College will serve up to 500 students annually, preparing graduates for viable, family-supporting careers while helping address critical workforce shortages throughout the region.

Construction milestones achieved to date include:

  • Roofing completed
  • Interior and exterior painting underway
  • Exterior garage doors, man doors, and storefront installation completed
  • Interior electrical, HVAC, fire protection, and plumbing systems approximately 75% complete
  • Drywall hanging and finishing completed

The construction team’s goal is to receive the Certificate of Occupancy by July 1, allowing classrooms and specialized training labs to be fully equipped and prepared ahead of welcoming students in August.

“The expansion of Cape Coral Technical College represents a significant investment in the future workforce of Southwest Florida,” said Jim Hopper,  Florida Division President, Owen-Ames-Kimball. “Projects like this create real opportunity, giving students access to hands-on training that leads directly to meaningful careers while helping local industries meet the growing demand for skilled professionals. Owen-Ames-Kimball is proud to partner with the School District of Lee County on a project that will have such a lasting impact on students, businesses, and the economic future of our region.”

The expansion will introduce six new skilled-trades programs, including:

  • Construction trades
  • Welding
  • HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
  • Automotive repair and service
  • Marine service technology
  • Additional construction industry training programs

Developed in partnership with local industry leaders, the programs are designed to directly address workforce needs across Southwest Florida.

Key benefits of the expansion include:

  • More than 150 additional students per year gaining access to trade certifications
  • Many programs designed to be completed in approximately one year, allowing graduates to quickly enter the workforce
  • Expanded dual-enrollment opportunities, enabling high school seniors to earn industry certifications while still in school

“We’re proud to introduce postsecondary ‘blue collar’ skilled-trades training programs to Cape Coral for the first time. Our ‘Career in a Year’ model is designed to equip students with in-demand, practical skills while they earn recognized industry certifications. Each program culminates in a career certificate diploma approved by the Florida Department of Education, preparing graduates to enter the workforce quickly and confidently,” said Charlie Pease, Director, Cape Coral Technical College.

Cape Coral is one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities, and the region continues to face significant shortages of skilled workers in fields such as construction, marine service, HVAC, and automotive technology. The expansion will help build a local pipeline of trained technicians and tradespeople to support the area’s continued growth.

Upon completion, the expanded campus will stand as a lasting investment in education, economic mobility, and workforce development throughout Southwest Florida.

For more information about Cape Coral Technical College, visit www.capecoraltech.edu.

Owen-Ames-Kimball’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O-A-K at www.owen-ames-kimball.com or call (239)561-4141.

"The expansion of Cape Coral Technical College represents a significant investment in the future workforce of Southwest Florida. Projects like this create real opportunity, giving students access to hands-on training that leads directly to meaningful careers while helping local industries meet the growing demand for skilled professionals. "
Jim Hopper
Florida Division President
Owen-Ames-Kimball

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