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
Technology Center - Opened Fall 2026:
This project began by razing the college’s 59-year-old, 6,000-square-foot Technology Building and transforming it into an expanded, 11,750-square-foot, 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.
HESC Expansion - Complete Spring 2027:
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.
Skilled Trades Education Pathways (STEP) Center - In Progress
“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.
Join us!
Be a catalyst for change.
Consider a gift to the NCMC Foundation.
Building the Future of Career & Technical Education
The CATEE Project is underway!
North Central Michigan College officially opened the doors to the brand-new Martin Jahn Technology Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 31st, 2026. Faculty, students, staff, local leaders, and community members gathered to celebrate this new chapter for hands-on, career-focused learning in Northern Michigan.
Campus Operations Updates and Campus Map
Navigating Campus During Construction
Construction will affect different campus operations at varying times during the CATEE project. Find the latest updates on campus operations.Follow Our Progress!
Transforming Futures, Building Prosperity: North Central has webcams positioned on campus to catch all the action as it happens!
