How Western is Upgrading Its Campus This Summer: Things to Keep An Eye On

Every day of the year the sun shines on Western Technical College. During the summer, it’s especially bright – and this one’s no exception. That’s because there are several exciting projects in the works that’ll liven up the campus just in time for the fall. From remodels to grand openings, it’s an exciting time to be a Cavalier!

Sparta Public Safety Training Facility Remodel

Last summer, Western’s Sparta Public Safety Training facility underwent a substantial and much needed $4.7 million remodel and expansion.

The goal of this project was to accommodate Western’s move of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program from its downtown La Crosse campus to its Sparta location. Along with general expansion, the remodel created more classroom space for Western’s Law Enforcement 720 academy, as well as additional space for a fire bay to conduct scenario training for Western’s Fire Protection Technician program.

“This project will provide students even better training opportunities to our paramedic and EMS students that was not always possible on the La Crosse campus,” said Kevin Dean, dean of the Health and Public Safety division at Western.

The remodel also opens the doors for Western’s fire and law enforcement programs to have a better space for training and interdisciplinary work – like real emergency calls.

The final touches are being made, with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for June 2022.

Diesel Facility Updates

Students interested in or familiar with our Diesel and Heavy Equipment programs will be excited to experience the new additions and upgrades to our Diesel facility.

This came as a response to present-day trucks differing in many significant ways from those for which the facility was originally constructed. Aerodynamic/environmental requirements have resulted in longer, taller and more complex trucks. Right now, 11 trucks are parked in five bays.

The remaining space houses various work-truck components, plus an underutilized wash bay. To make room for more students, space is necessary for both full-size trucks and truck components.

The expansion currently involves constructing a 3,168-square-foot additional bay – where up to five additional trucks could be available for instruction. The facility will also see significant updates to its exterior, including widening several overhead doors to accommodate new and larger vehicles. There will also be several alterations made to give the building’s visual identity a sharp improvement.

Lastly, the final piece to this three-year plan is renovating the facility’s interior. The goal is to create a state-of-the-art instructional space that is better suited to industry expectations:

• An additional classroom
• A larger equipment/disassembly area
• Stronger WiFi/data network
• Better utilization of existing space for parking and lab activities
• Expanded storage
• Improved student lounge
• And much more

Much like a diesel and heavy equipment technician, these improvements will keep things moving!

The Summer Looks Bright – and So Does Your Future

Like our students, Western’s campus is constantly evolving to be better and brighter. With the latest facility improvements, we’re making room for all the bright young minds that walk through our halls. From the grand opening of our renovated Sparta Public Safety Training facility to improvements to our Diesel facility, this summer looks brighter than ever.