Somerset Community College Hosts Valley Oak Open House to Showcase New Facilities and Programs

Published on Nov 14, 2024

Somerset Community College (SCC) proudly opened its doors to the community on November 12 for the highly anticipated Valley Oak Open House, showcasing its newly renovated facilities and innovative programs. Originally purchased in 2022 from the Somerset Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA), the Valley Oak Center has undergone substantial renovations to create specialized learning spaces for SCC students and serve as a resource hub for local industry.

The new Valley Oak location now houses advanced training and education facilities, including labs for Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Virtual Reality, Welding, CDL, Heavy Equipment Operations, Underground and Overhead Utility Technician, in addition to the already existing Lineman Technology Center facility. Additional classrooms support the KY FAME program, SCC’s Industrial Maintenance Technology lab, along with customized business and industry training tailored to meet community needs.

Dr. Carey Castle, SCC’s President and CEO, officially kicked off the open house by acknowledging the challenges and perseverance needed to overcome the development of the Valley Oak Center into a premier training site. "I’m very proud of everyone who was involved and look forward to seeing the success that comes from this new location,” Dr. Castle remarked.

During the event, SCC took the opportunity to recognize several key business partners who have been instrumental in supporting SCC programs at Valley Oak. Among those recognized were ElectriCom, Vermeer, Brandeis, Boyd CAT, Southeast Kentucky Economic Development (SKED), Tucker Building Company and Martin Contracting. 

Additionally, SCC was proud to honor Gatormade Trailers and owner, BJ Brown, who received a certificate of gratitude for sponsoring the newly named Gatormade Welding Lab at Valley Oak. Gatormade’s ongoing support of SCC students includes performance awards to welding students who exceeds in the classroom.

SCC students were also present to share their excitement about the new facilities. Austin Barron, a KY FAME student sponsored by TTAI, expressed appreciation for the hands-on training environment: "This facility is as good as it gets. You get real-world training without being on the job site, which gives me a competitive edge in the field.”

Heavy Equipment Operations student, Colton Barnett, highlighted his positive experience: “I love getting hands-on experience with the machines. I know I’ll be prepared to get a job once I complete the course, and having this space at Valley Oak has been essential.”

Reflecting on Valley Oak’s significance, Alesa Johnson, SCC’s VP of Workforce Solutions, emphasized the expanded opportunities it offers. “The new Valley Oak Center has allowed SCC to not only expand existing programs but also introduce new, industry-driven programs requested by our partners—such as Heavy Equipment Operations and both Underground and Overhead Utility Technician programs,” she shared. “Our CDL yard, now equipped with perimeter lighting, enables evening classes, supporting working adults who want to upskill for higher wages without leaving their daytime jobs.”

Additionally, Johnson highlighted SCC’s advancements in Additive Manufacturing, including concrete 3D printing, and the increase in dual credit training opportunities for high school students. “Our expanded facilities enable SCC to strengthen partnerships with industry and government agencies across the country. I am honored to be part of this exciting chapter in SCC’s history and eager to see the impact this center will have on our students and community,” she added. The open house marks a new chapter in SCC’s mission to offer quality education and workforce training that meets the evolving needs of the community. SCC looks forward to Valley Oak becoming a center of innovation, skill-building, and an opportunity for students and local industry alike.

SCC’s Culinary Arts program had the opportunity to show off their skills by preparing the food and refreshments for the Open House utilizing the newly renovated kitchen in Building 610.

The new Valley Oak Center is located at 610 Valley Oak Rd. Somerset, KY 42501. To view more photos from the event go to https://somersetcc.info/ValleyOak.