LEWISTON — The Lewiston Regional Technical Center will expand programming to a new Edward Little High School in Auburn, if voters approve the construction project next June.

Now, Auburn students go to the center, which is connected to Lewiston High School.

LRTC Executive Director Rob Callahan said the center has run out of space and the Maine Department of Education recently approved 10 new courses for the center.

“It’s difficult when I have to say no to kids who are eager for career and technical education,” he said.

The new programs represent “a tremendous opportunity for this area,” he said.

They are firefighting, emergency medical technician, cosmetology and barbering, biotechnology, precision machinery, composite manufacturing, culinary, education, exploration in medical and exploration in construction.

With a labor shortage made worse by more skilled workers retiring, the need for more career and technical learning is critical, Callahan said.

“Fortunately the state was receptive to this,” he said.

The courses will accommodate the 420 high school students from Edward Little, Lewiston, Lisbon, Oak Hill in Wales, Leavitt in Turner and Poland who are served by LRTC.

Callahan said the courses to be held at a new Edward Little High School will be based on what students want, what local employers need and future job projections from the Maine Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The partnership with Edward Little High School is a great opportunity to expand, Callahan said. “I’m grateful for good partners.”

“We know it’s something that works for our kids and our economy. I couldn’t be any happier. I can’t wait to get started,” he said. 

Lewiston Regional Technical Center Executive Director Rob Callahan asks student Gabriel Nichols about his project during a plumbing class in 2016. Callahan said Wednesday that the state has approved expanding programming to a new Edward Little High School, if voters approve the construction project next June. “I’m thrilled,” Callahan said. (Sun Journal file photo)

The Lewiston Regional Technical Center is expanding into Auburn, Director Rob Callahan said Wednesday. The state has approved a satellite at the proposed Edward Little High School, which Auburn voters will vote on next June. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)