Brad Harrison indicated that the new Auto Technology Shop at the Manteca Unified School District complex was several years in the making.

Construction by CT Brayton & Sons began about a year ago and was completed in October.

“This is more than an Auto Technology Shop – it’s a high-quality industrial based training (for students),” said Harrison, who retired as principal of the Adult School program that also consisted of Career Technical Education courses at the end of last school year.

He was back Thursday for the special ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 5,000-square-foot building, costing about $5 million.

“This building is amazing,” said Harrison.

Larry Machado is now principal of the Manteca Adult School. He along with school officials and several industrial partners of the program were on hand for the special afternoon event.

“This state-of-the-art facility is more than just a shop, it’s a launchpad for students to gear up for their futures. With hands-on experience and the opportunity to earn industry certifications, students can accelerate toward career readiness,” said MUSD via social media.

Classes at the new building started earlier this school year with Auto 1 consisting of 60 students and taught by newcomer Ryan Smith, who came to MUSD from Calaveras High.

The new Auto Technology Shop offers a variety of career pathway courses designed to help students get a foot in the workforce.

“It has also given us a foundation of what a capstone class should look like,” Harrison added.