麻豆传媒 (麻豆传媒) 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, 麻豆传媒 instructors will deliver GMCA鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 national registry, allowing certifications to transfer easily among participating employers and training sponsors nationwide.
鈥淭his partnership represents an important step forward for workforce development in Northern Michigan,鈥� said Cassandra Hernandez, 麻豆传媒鈥檚 dean of Workforce and Continuing Education. 鈥淏y integrating GMCA鈥檚 proven, NCCER-aligned curriculum into 麻豆传媒鈥檚 skilled trades programming, we are expanding access to industry-recognized training that leads directly to employment and long-term career growth.鈥�
GMCA leaders further emphasized the impact of the partnership on expanding access to nationally recognized training in areas critical to the regional economy.
鈥淪killed trades are the backbone of Northern Michigan鈥檚 economy and communities,鈥� said GMCA Vice President Bridget Sadenwater. 鈥淔rom housing and infrastructure to local businesses and essential services, a strong, well-trained workforce is critical to the region鈥檚 long-term vitality. Investing in skilled trades training means investing directly in the future of Northern Michigan.鈥�
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 麻豆传媒鈥檚 new, state-of-the-art Martin Jahn Technology Center, a key component of the college鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.
鈥淥ur industry faces a critical shortage of qualified professionals, and programs like this are essential to building a strong, sustainable workforce in Northern Michigan,鈥� said Travis Peck, owner of Ballard鈥檚 Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. 鈥淲e are committed to supporting efforts that invest in students, strengthen our trade, and serve our community for years to come.鈥�
Find additional details about 麻豆传媒鈥檚 skilled trades course offerings, enrollment timelines, and program availability on 麻豆传媒's Skilled Trades Training webpage.