TRAVERSE CITY — More than 400 area middle and high school students will have a chance to “try a trade” when NMC hosts its annual Building Tomorrow event Thursday Oct. 1 and Friday, Oct. 2 at the Aero Park Laboratories building.
Set for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. both days, the event is a hands-on experience that allows students to explore multiple skilled trades careers. Students will rotate through stations including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, automotive, welding and excavation site work.
“It’s very, very hands on,” said Carolyn Andrews, coordinator of NMC’s Construction Technology program. Students will take off tires, drive a mini excavator, build benches and picnic tables and wire a light, with the goal of exposing them to career paths they may not have considered.
“We want to change the stigma, change the culture. A lot of these are great careers,” Andrews said.
Aero Park Laboratories is located at 2525 Aero Park Dr. on NMC’s Aero Park campus.
There is strong employer demand for skilled trades workers. Construction laborers and managers, automotive service technicians and mechanics, electricians, HVAC mechanics and installers and plumbers are all among Michigan’s 2026 Hot 50 jobs outlook with the highest projected growth, openings and wages.
NMC offers both degrees and certificates in automotive technology, construction technology, engineering technology, manufacturing technology, renewable energy technology, surveying and welding technology. In all technical programs, enrollments are limited to maximize students’ access to the most current technology and industry-knowledgeable instructors. Technical curriculum is reviewed and approved by local advisory committees.
Release date: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)