A $20 million renovation project will break ground at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey this week.
It involves expanding the school’s career and technical education programs in fields like healthcare, manufacturing and skilled trades.
NCMC President David Finley said the initiative is years in the making and corresponds to employment needs across various industries.
“Both locally and nationally, workforce talent shortages are really causing significant concern,” Finley said. “We saw that, both in healthcare as well as tech and trades.”
“Both locally and nationally, workforce talent shortages are really causing significant concern. We saw that, both in healthcare as well as tech and trades.”Dave Finley, NCMC president
The first phase of construction is the renovation and expansion of the Health Education and Science Center. The 7,200-square-foot addition will clear more room for classrooms, labs, and study rooms.
Phase two is a newly-constructed Technology Building that will replace a nearly 60-year-old facility.
“With this new Technology Center, North Central is set to address the growing need for technology professionals by training an estimated 200 individuals annually in high-demand disciplines including robotics, engineering, welding and computer-aided drafting and design,” said a Thursday press release from the college.
The technology building will be 11,400 square feet of new construction.
Finley said the $20 million project is funded through congressional appropriations, college reserves and fundraising — which is ongoing.
Cornerstone Architects, which has offices in Grand Rapids and Traverse City, is providing design and architectural services, while Lansing-based Clark Construction Company will oversee construction.
NCMC’s Board of Trustees approved the company's bids at a regular meeting.
The entire Career and Technical Education Enhancement (CATEE) project is slated for completion by Fall 2026.
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