CANFIELD — An expansion is coming to the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center to train youth and adults on existing and emerging energy systems. Planned courses include how to install and maintain electric vehicle charging stations, EV maintenance and experience in understanding and working with traditional and nontraditional power.

A groundbreaking is scheduled Tuesday for the Innovative Energy Technology and Workforce Training Center. The center will be an “adaptable hub” of technological training for MCCTC High School, Adult Career Center and Valley STEM students, officials said.

“It’s perfect timing for this project and will enable the career center to continue to support workforce training needs of our region,” Superintendent John Zehentbauer said in a news release.

The MCCTC board awarded the $1.1 million project to J. Herbert Construction Co. of Salem. Funding for constructing the new center comes from a combination of local, state capital budget and county commissioner dollars.

The energy center will train students in traditional and progressive energy systems, but will also “innovate the training of workers across the Valley,” officials said.

Mary Mihalopoulos, director of adult programming, said part of the curriculum will focus on recent additions to the energy grid, such as wind and solar, and data analysis regarding these systems. She said the energy center will continue to provide new opportunities for the future as the needed curriculum evolves. She noted the importance of staying ahead of technology trends.

Both high school and adult students currently can learn about automotive technology, according to MCCTC’s website, but this does not yet include electric vehicles.

The project should be completed when classes begin next fall.

escott@tribtoday.com