NCMC, GREATER MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION ACADEMY PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS SKILL TRADES EDUCATION

PETOSKEY, Mich. — North Central Michigan College (NCMC) has announced a new partnership with the Greater Michigan Construction Academy (GMCA) that expands skilled trades education while strengthening the regional talent pipeline for Northern Michigan employers.

Through the partnership, NCMC instructors will deliver GMCA’s nationally recognized construction trades curriculum, providing students with hands-on training and the opportunity to earn certification through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), one of the country’s leading workforce credentialing organizations.

The partnership will include GMCA curriculum in the following high-demand areas:

•     Core Curriculum

•     Plumbing

•      Electrical

•      Welding

•      HVAC

•      Carpentry

GMCA is an accredited member of NCCER, meaning its training meets rigorous national standards and results in transferable credentials recognized across the construction industry. Students who complete the curriculum will be entered into NCCER’s national registry, allowing certifications to transfer easily among participating employers and training sponsors nationwide.

“This partnership represents an important step forward for workforce development in Northern Michigan,” said Cassandra Hernandez, NCMC’s dean of Workforce and Continuing Education. “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.”

GMCA leaders further emphasized the impact of the partnership on expanding access to nationally recognized training in areas critical to the regional economy.

“Skilled trades are the backbone of Northern Michigan’s economy and communities,” said GMCA Vice President Bridget Sadenwater. “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.”

First HVAC, welding cohorts to launch in Martin Jahn Technology Center in July 2026

The first cohorts of HVAC and welding students will begin training in July 2026 in NCMC’s new, state-of-the-art Martin Jahn Technology Center, a key component of the college’s Career and Technical Education Enhancement (CATEE) project, which is expanding technical, skilled trades, and healthcare programming to meet state and regional workforce demands.

Local industry professionals have already expressed excitement about the programs and their curriculum, noting that it aligns closely with the knowledge and skills they want today’s tradespeople to master. As employers across Northern Michigan continue to seek a highly trained workforce, industry leaders see this partnership as a meaningful step toward developing that talent locally.

“Our industry faces a critical shortage of qualified professionals, and programs like this are essential to building a strong, sustainable workforce in Northern Michigan,” said Travis Peck, owner of Ballard’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. “We are committed to supporting efforts that invest in students, strengthen our trade, and serve our community for years to come.”

For additional details about North Central’s skilled trades course offerings, enrollment timelines, and program availability, visit bit.ly/ncmc-skilled-trades.
About North Central Michigan College:

North Central Michigan College is an open-door community college based in Petoskey with additional offerings in Cheboygan, Gaylord, and online. North Central’s mission is to provide exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education to the benefit of all. An Achieving the Dream Leader College with a designation of Veteran Friendly Gold by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, North Central is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. Learn more at www.ncmich.edu.
About Greater Michigan Construction Academy:

The Greater Michigan Construction Academy (GMCA) facilitates opportunities for career growth in the construction industry through continuing education programs targeting craft workers, foremen, supervisors, project managers, superintendents and company management. Providing such programs is important to the construction industry to achieve knowledgeable employees and a safe work environment. GMCA is an accredited member of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Learn more at www.gmcami.org.

Officials from North Central Michigan College and the Greater Michigan Construction Academy met on February 17 to formalize a new partnership that will expand skilled trades training in Northern Michigan. Pictured, from left: Stephen Strom, NCMC vice president for Academic and Student Affairs; David Roland Finley, NCMC president; Bridget Sadenwater, GMCA vice president; and Cassandra Hernandez, NCMC dean of Workforce and Continuing Education.