COMING FALL 2026!
North Central's Career and Technical Education Enhancement Project, or CATEE, is bridging the skills gap in Northern Michigan with its $22 million investment to revolutionize education in healthcare, manufacturing and skilled trades, three pivotal sectors shaping our regional, state and national economies.
There is a dire need for additional tradespeople to support the infrastructure of a growing region in the State.
North Central is answering the call by providing the needed space for hands-on instruction
in the construction trades, an expansion of welding/metal working, and motion control
(pneumatic, hydraulic and electromechanical). No similar trades-focused facility is
available within 60 miles of Petoskey.
This project will further enable the College to serve as a key piston in Northern Michigan's economic engine -- to be the higher education provider for area tradespeople, as well as the resource for their continuing education.
Project Overview and Timing
The CATEE project began with initial renovation in the Health Education and Science Center (HESC) on June 17, 2024. Work shifts to the new Technology Building beginning in early 2025 in tandem with the HESC expansion. The entire project is scheduled to be complete by Fall 2026.
Phase I HESC Renovation - Begins Summer 2024:
The renovation of the Health Education and Science Center (HESC) began with internal renovations to the existing nursing and allied health spaces to double the high-fidelity simulation space and provide an enhanced experience for students and instructors by having two debriefing rooms. This will meet best practices and improve the student and instructor experience until the full expansion is completed.
Phase II HESC Expansion - Begins Early 2025:
The expansion of the Health Education and Science Center will include a 6,575-square-foot addition and a 9,200-square-foot renovation that will add more classroom and lab spaces for programs that have outgrown their current facilities. This expansion is projected to introduce an additional 150 healthcare professionals into the workforce each year.
Phase II Technology Center - Begins Early 2025:
This part of Phase II includes razing the college’s 59-year-old Technology Building, transforming it into an expanded state-of-the-art 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.
“Fundraising is actively underway to support this transformative initiative, and we invite others to join us in creating more opportunities for local learners. Community support is key to fueling futures and transforming lives.”Chelsea Platte, vice president for Advancement and executive director of the NCMC Foundation
in healthcare jobs over the next decade.
require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree.
are trained at a level beyond high school but less than a four-year degree.
Follow Our Progress
Transforming Futures, Building Prosperity
North Central has webcams positioned on campus to catch all the action as it happens!
Join us!
Be a catalyst for change.
Consider a gift to the NCMC Foundation’s Career & Technical Education Fund.