PETOSKEY — North Central Michigan College is collaborating with the Industrial Arts Institute and the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational Service District to enhance training in Computer Numerical Control programming.
According to a Jan. 27 news release, the partnership supports the construction of the new Martin Jahn Technology Center on NCMC’s Petoskey campus.
On Jan. 8, NCMC relocated its CNC equipment to IAI in Onaway, ensuring uninterrupted training in this critical field. The move is part of Phase II of NCMC’s $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement initiative, which includes demolishing the current Technology Building in February 2025 and constructing state-of-the-art, 11,750-square-foot Martin Jahn Technology Center. Once complete, the facility will serve as a hub for technology and skilled trades education.
“We’re excited to partner with IAI and COPESD to offer new training opportunities for local employees and students,” NCMC Vice President of Affairs Stephen Strom said. “This partnership allows us to provide hands-on, industry-relevant education in Computer-Aided Design, Computer-Aided Manufacturing, and CNC programming— all vital skills in today’s manufacturing world.”
In response to increasing demand for skilled workers, NCMC’s Corporate and Community Education (CCE) division will launch a 12-week CNC, CAD, and CAM training course at IAI on February 11. Classes will meet on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and the $1,200 program is designed to equip participants with essential design-to-production skills, helping local businesses meet workforce needs.
“This partnership offers incredible opportunities for individuals to gain practical, high-demand skills right in their own community,” IAI Executive Director Tamara Ward said.
For the past three years, NCMC and IAI have introduced middle school students to machining and skilled trades through career exploration camps, with great success. With the CNC equipment now housed at IAI, these efforts are expanding to include:
- Enhanced Middle School Camps: Hands-on opportunities to engage more students in machining and manufacturing
- High School Programs: Multi-week sessions offering deeper, specialized training for students interested in machining careers
- Academy Integration: Adding CNC training to welding and construction academies
- Year-Round Programming: Developing a comprehensive schedule to serve students in the Cheboygan, Otsego, and Presque Isle school districts
“With these expanded programs, we aim to inspire the next generation of skilled workers while aligning education with workforce needs,” said MiSTEM Region 12 Director Laura Percival.
“This is a great example of how strong community partnerships can create real opportunities for students and businesses,” COPESD Superintendent Jamie Huber said. “Together, we are preparing more local students for careers in the skilled trades, which is more important than ever.”
CNC training will continue through Winter 2025 and into Summer 2026, both at IAI and in NCMC’s Mobile Fab Lab on the Petoskey campus, until construction of the Martin Jahn Technology Center is complete.
“This collaboration with IAI brings hands-on CNC, CAD, and CAM training to our region, helping individuals gain the skills needed for a successful future in manufacturing,” CNC Instructor Jeff Montgomery said.
The Martin Jahn Technology Center is one piece of the CATEE initiative, which also includes the expansion of NCMC’s Jack and Dorothy Harris Health Education and Science Center. Together, these cutting-edge facilities will provide modern environments for students pursuing careers in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Both buildings are expected to open for classes in Fall 2026.
For updates on the CATEE project’s progress and campus operations during construction, click here.