As of early September, one year out from the APEX Center's opening, construction is ongoing. (Jillian Nachtigal/Community Impact)
Pflugerville ISD is entering the final year of construction on its Advanced Pathways for Excellence Center, ahead of its August 2027 opening.
The big picture
Trustees appointed PfISD principal and educator Daniel Garcia to be the career and technical education center’s founding principal. Garcia said in an email the facility aims to be a launchpad for success into college, the workforce or the military.
The APEX Center will serve high school students in a variety of CTE courses across the district. Transportation will be provided from each high school campus and students will still take their academic courses at their home campuses.
Among the healthcare opportunities at the APEX Center is emergency medical services training.Rendering courtesy Pflugerville ISD
Additionally, students in the district’s Pflugerville Community Connect (18+ Program) will utilize the center to gain hands-on career training, independent living skills and workplace opportunities.
Garcia said the APEX Center will centralize CTE programs into one building with high-tech, expensive, specialized equipment. Programs housed at the facility will offer students the opportunity to pursue valuable industry certifications and college credits at no cost.
Garcia said the center aims to directly address Central Texas labor shortages in booming industries. It will include specialized labs, professional-grade culinary kitchens, automotive service bays, advanced manufacturing spaces and medical environments.
Additionally, the building will house a testing center, where students can take official certification exams, and a career and college resource center, which will help students with college applications, financial aid, resumes and more. Classrooms and multipurpose space may also be used for adult workforce training.
Key programs housed at the APEX Center include:
Advanced manufacturing used in automation and semiconductors
Automotive technology
Construction trades
Culinary arts
Fire science
Welding
The facility will include several automotive service bays.Rendering courtesy Pflugerville ISD
A partnership with Austin Community College facilitates dual-credit courses and college certificates. Students are connected to paid apprenticeships, internships and hands-on projects with regional employers as well.
What they’re saying
“Over the next decade, the APEX Center can serve as a powerful engine for economic mobility across Pflugerville,” Garcia said in an email. “Beyond preparing thousands of high school students for rewarding, sustainable careers in our region, the center is designed to become a vibrant community hub by expanding access to adult learning opportunities, evening workforce training and career resources.”
