Illinois State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik visited the Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC) expansion site to observe the progress of ongoing construction and discuss future plans for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
Joe McGinnis, CAVC Director, led the tour and explained how each space in the new facility will be used. He highlighted that the state-of-the-art center is designed to benefit both students and local industries seeking skilled workers. Also present on the tour were Ryan Savage from Holland Construction, Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich, and Collinsville High School Assistant Principal Philip Carter.
Senator Harriss and Representative Elik have supported and advocated for this project. The CAVC expansion began construction in March 2025, with completion targeted for use during the 2026-27 school year.
Once finished, the expanded CAVC aims to increase opportunities for students interested in trades, service industries, education careers, and healthcare occupations. It will serve as a resource for students from Collinsville and eleven other area high schools across Madison and St. Clair Counties. There are also plans to involve additional high schools in CTE education efforts to help meet workforce needs for current and future businesses.
The new facility is located at South Morrison and Caseyville Roads in Collinsville, across from both the existing CAVC building and Collinsville High School campus.
McGinnis described how “the state-of-the-art facility will benefit students, as well as local trades and professions who are looking for skilled workers.”
Founded in 1971, CAVC is one of 24 Area Vocational Centers in Illinois. It currently serves students from ten high schools: Civic Memorial High School, Collinsville High School, Dupo High School, East Alton-Wood River High School, Edwardsville High School, Highland High School, Lebanon High School, Mascoutah High School, Roxana High School and Triad High School. In 2026-27 Madison High School and O’Fallon Township High School will join them.
Elik has represented Illinois’ 111th House District since being elected in 2021 as a Republican legislator; she succeeded Monica Bristow after winning that election.
