North Central Michigan College is expanding skilled trades education across Northern Michigan through a new partnership aimed at strengthening the regional workforce.
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North Central Michigan College has partnered with the Greater Michigan Construction Academy to deliver hands-on construction trades training aligned with national industry standards.
Under the agreement, college instructors will teach the academy’s curriculum, allowing students to earn certification through the National Center for Construction Education and Research. The academy is an accredited NCCER member, meaning credentials earned through the program are transferable nationwide and recognized by employers across the construction industry.
The partnership will offer instruction in core construction disciplines, including plumbing, electrical, welding, HVAC and carpentry — trades that remain in high demand throughout Michigan and beyond.
Students who complete the curriculum will be entered into NCCER’s national registry, allowing their certifications to transfer easily among participating employers and training sponsors nationwide.
“This partnership represents an important step forward for workforce development in Northern Michigan,” Cassandra Hernandez, the college's dean of Workforce and Continuing Education, said in the announcement. “By integrating GMCA’s proven, NCCER-aligned curriculum into North Central’s skilled trades programming, we are expanding access to industry-recognized training that leads directly to employment and long-term career growth.”
College officials say the collaboration helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world job readiness, giving students hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, materials and safety practices.
The first cohorts of HVAC and welding students will begin training in July at the college’s new Martin Jahn Technology Center. The facility is part of a broader institutional effort to expand technical, skilled trades and health care programming to meet state and regional workforce demands.
GMCA leaders highlighted the broader economic implications of investing in trades education.
“Skilled trades are the backbone of Northern Michigan’s economy and communities,” GMCA Vice President Bridget Sadenwater said in the announcement. “From housing and infrastructure to local businesses and essential services, a strong, well-trained workforce is critical to the region’s long-term vitality. Investing in skilled trades training means investing directly in the future of Northern Michigan.”
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Local employers have already expressed support for the initiative, noting that the curriculum aligns with current workforce needs. Industry leaders say the region continues to face shortages of qualified professionals in key trades.
“Our industry faces a critical shortage of qualified professionals, and programs like this are essential to building a strong, sustainable workforce in Northern Michigan,” Travis Peck, owner of Ballard’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, said in the announcement. “We are committed to supporting efforts that invest in students, strengthen our trade and serve our community for years to come.”
Officials say the partnership is designed not only to prepare students for immediate employment but also to create long-term career pathways with opportunities for advancement, specialization and entrepreneurship.
Enrollment information, program timelines and additional details about course offerings are available through the college’s skilled trades webpage.
Originally reported by Janis Reeser, Reporter assisted by AI in Peto Skey News.
