A $7.5 million project to build a regional tech school and workforce development center in Troy was announced in June. Playing a role to make the project happen was the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission (BRPC), based in Warrenton.

A groundbreaking ceremony June 17 was attended by Boonslick staff, along with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and representatives of state and local governments. The tech school is planned to open in fall 2021.

Boonslick provides public project planning, grant application and workforce development services in Warren, Montgomery and Lincoln counties. Executive Director Chad Eggen said he’s excited for this project to create a new resource for local ag tech, industrial and advanced manufacturing needs.

The tech school will be run by Ranken Technical College, incorporating Ranken’s apprenticeship model of work-based learning. Eggen said that will allow Boonslick to connect local manufacturers with more skilled workers.

“It’s a regional need. We continuously have jobs available and no one to fill them,” Eggen explained. “Right now we’re working with employers in Warren and Montgomery to start that conversation with Ranken about how they can work together.”

The tech school is being paid for by $5.1 million from the federal Economic Development Administration, $1 million from the state of Missouri, and contributions from the Lincoln County School District, Eggen said. The Lincoln County government will also provide $100,000 per year for three years to support instructional programs.

Boonslick Regional Planning Commission’s role was to help coordinate all those groups to make the project happen.

“Our involvement is helping them put it all together, and our partnership with the Economic Development Administration,” Eggen commented. “We presented the idea of utilizing state appropriations and maximizing the county input to leverage federal grant dollars.”

Ranken Technical College is a private, non-profit institution providing technical education in the greater St. Louis Region for more than 100 years. Eggen predicted bringing a new campus to the Boonslick region will create many long-term opportunities.

“For generations to come, I think it will be a huge impact,” he commented.

Ranken CEO Stan Shoun said in a statement that Ranken’s model of career education has been a successful means of workforce development in high-need fields.

“We understand the region’s shortage, as well as its demand, and are preparing students with the best education to help fill the gap in Missouri and the surrounding areas,” Shoun said.

Ranken also has a campus in Wentzville, which is partnering with the Lincoln County School District to provide dual enrollment.

“An educated, skilled workforce is essential to the success and economic growth of our community, which is why we have agreed to provide $100,000 a year for three years for instructional support,” said Lincoln County Economic Development Director Julie Rodgers. “We believe the key to this success involves accessible education opportunities. The partnership between Ranken Technical College, Lincoln County, and the Lincoln County R-III School District strengthens this vision for our community.”