Chippewa Valley Technical College

Big things on the horizon in the Chippewa Valley!

Today, we announced that we are exploring opportunities within the 900 District (formerly HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital) that could significantly expand simulation-based education and workforce training for students, employers, and communities throughout our region.

The unique space offers exciting possibilities for advanced simulation, virtual reality, and collaborative training experiences that mirror real-world environments. While still in the exploration phase, this opportunity reflects CVTC's commitment to innovative, applied learning and strong partnerships that help build the workforce of tomorrow.

We're excited to see where this journey leads and look forward to sharing more as the process unfolds.

HeartWorks

🏠 Few things are more impressive than watching a house take shape from the ground up.

And that's exactly what Residential Construction students in Eau Claire and River Falls do in nine short months each year. From framing walls to putting on the finishing touches, students work together to build beautiful homes that will proudly showcase their craftsmanship for many years to come.

Along the way, they gain hands-on construction experience while strengthening valuable skills in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

Congratulations to our Residential Construction students on another successful build!

CVTC students are making their mark on the national stage, and we think they're kind of a big deal!

After earning top finishes at the state SkillsUSA competition, Motorcycle, Marine & Outdoor Power Products Technician students Zayne and Steve advanced to the national competition.

🏆 Zayne placed 3rd in the nation in the Power Technology Contest.
🏆 Steve earned an 8th-place finish in Marine Technology.

Congratulations to both students on representing CVTC and Wisconsin so well. We are incredibly proud of your hard work and accomplishments!

At CVTC, students learn by doing. Through hands-on training, they gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce ready to succeed.

While much of that learning happens in our labs and classrooms, some experiences take students far beyond campus. Recently, Nursing students spent 12 days in Kenya, where they explored the Kenyan health care system firsthand. During the trip, they visited hospitals, assisted with outpatient clinics, learned from local health care professionals, and experienced a safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Experiences like these broaden perspectives, deepen cultural understanding, and help prepare students to provide compassionate care in an increasingly connected world.

A recent visit from federal leaders, U.S. Small Business Administration SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler and U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling, showcased how CVTC is strengthening our regional workforce and economy.

They saw firsthand how we work with employers to upskill and reskill workers, provide safety training, deliver industry-recognized credentials, and prepare students of all ages in labs that mirror real-world workplaces.

Strong partnerships with employers like Xcel Energy and Lippert, along with transfer opportunities through university partners in our district, help create pathways that support students and the regional economy.

And the results speak for themselves:
• 95% of CVTC graduates are employed within six months of graduation
• Graduates' average starting salary is nearly $60,000
• Median earnings for graduates are 21% higher than the living wage in our service area

Thank you to our students, colleagues, and industry partners who make this impact possible, and to our federal partners for taking the time to see it in action.