VPS celebrates opening of Endeavour Technical Trades Center

With more than 7,300 square feet of workspace, the trades center on the campus of Hudson’s Bay High School will serve students throughout Vancouver Public Schools

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

Vancouver Public Schools celebrated the grand opening of the Endeavour Technical Trades Center on the campus of Hudson’s Bay High School on Tuesday — yet another example of the partnership between the trades industry and local school districts committed to preparing students to be job-ready upon graduation.

The new center, for all students from across the district, features more than 7,300 square feet of workspace, including simulators for forklifts, cranes, and other heavy equipment. Students will also receive hands-on training in foundations, framing, plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, and more. 

“Funded entirely through private donations, the Endeavour Building was built not just with concrete and steel, but with belief,” said Mark Wreath, director of Career and College Readiness for VPS. “Belief in our students. Belief in their futures. And belief in the essential role of trades in our economy and society.”

Seven years ago, Wreath said, VPS started a construction program that attracted 30 students in one building.

“We just completed forecasting for next school year, and next year we have over 450 students in five different buildings doing some type of construction trades program,” Wreath told guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Jon Girod of Quail Homes, and also the founder of Careers in Construction, has been passionate about getting the word out to several school districts in the region: The construction industry needs young workers. Many of today’s workers are nearing retirement. There is a huge demand for these skills. 

There have been other trades centers at other school districts that have opened in recent years or are under construction. 

“If you have trust in people, things like this can happen,” Girod said.

School officials also thanked all who made this happen, specifically pointing out the Endeavour Fund for its donation to the project. 

“I’m just so proud to be associated with this,” said Dr. Jeff Snell, superintendent of Vancouver Public Schools. “I’m so proud of our community to have a vision like this.”

Trevor Haywood of the Foundation for VPS noted that it is the role of the foundation to connect donors with school district needs.

“The most amazing thing about this is it didn’t require any taxes, no bonds, no public money,” Haywood said. “This is all a community investment.”

Representatives of the Endeavour Fund unveiled a plaque that will be placed in the trades center.

“This building stands as a testament to the vision and commitment of our donors and community partners — empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to build fulfilling careers and enrich our community for generations to come.”

Students joined administrators and donors in cutting the ribbon.

“This moment marks the official opening of a space designed to give students the tools, the training, and confidence to build meaningful careers,” Wreath said before counting down to the cutting of the ribbon.