Initial renovation begins June 17 in the Health Education and Science Center

Phase I of North Central Michigan College's Career and Technical Education Enhancement (CATEE) project, a $20 million initiative set to redefine healthcare, manufacturing and skilled trades education, will begin June 17 with renovation to the college’s Health Education and Science Center.

“CATEE is a groundbreaking investment aimed at revolutionizing education in healthcare, manufacturing and skilled trades — three dynamic sectors that are the backbone of our regional, state and national economies,” said North Central President David Roland Finley. “Data from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget tells us that nearly all the high-demand, high-wage careers available to associate degree-holders are in these critical fields.”

The renovation and expansion of the Health Education and Science Center will support North Central’s growing nursing and allied health programs. A 7,200-square-foot addition, set to begin in early 2025, will provide advanced classroom, clinical, simulation 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 of the project, also set to begin in early 2025, includes the razing of the college’s 59-year-old Technology Building, transforming it into an expanded, state-of-the-art Technology Center. 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.

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 the buildings’ construction. The companies were awarded the project following a competitive bid process and approval by North Central’s Board of Trustees.

The CATEE project is scheduled to be complete by Fall 2026.

“Fundraising is actively underway to support this transformative initiative, and we invite others to join us in creating more opportunities for local learners,” said Chelsea Platte, vice president for Advancement and executive director of the NCMC Foundation. “Community support is key to fueling futures and transforming lives.”

For additional CATEE information, including updates about campus operations during construction, visit the CATEE webpage.