TRAVERSE CITY — That trend was on full display at Northwestern Michigan College for their annual ‘building tomorrow" event.
More than 400 students will get hands-on experience with six skilled trades over the next two days.
The sound of welding torches, drills and even mini excavators filled the air at Northwestern Michigan College’s Aero Park Labs.
It’s all part of ‘Building Tomorrow’-an event designed to spark interest in the trades among young students.
“It’s an introductory way of just showcasing what we do all the time. And to show them that this can be a career, you know, a great career path in the trades,” said Team Bobs Heating Cooling and Plumbing Director of Business and NMC volunteer Heather Cade.
452 students from across the region visited the campus, rotating through stations in welding, carpentry, automotive, HVAC and electrical work.
Organizers said it’s their highest turnout-and it comes at a time when Michigan is facing a growing shortage of skilled workers. NMC coordinator and construction instructor Carolyn Andrews said there’s a gap to fill in skilled trade industries.
“Everybody knows that everybody’s hurting for labor right now-the construction industry, automotive, welding, all of these trades,” said Andrews. “So, what we’re trying to do is expose them to these careers at a younger age and plant that seed.”
Nationwide enrollment in two-year technical programs is up 16% according to National Student Clearinghouse since 2020, while traditional four-year colleges saw a six percent drop.
The Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information reported the economy will need half a million new skilled trade workers by 2030, especially in advanced manufacturing.
“They’ve called this upcoming generation the tool belt generation. These kids want to get their hands dirty there,” said Andrews. “They want to learn how to do things with their hands, they’re not afraid. I like to encourage students.”
The event also highlighted partnerships between NMC and local businesses with the Home Builders Association and electrical contractors working directly with students.
“This isn’t a less than career to be a carpenter, a plumber, an HAVC tech, a welder. This isn’t for somebody that’s, you know, less than. These are these are students that are very smart,” SAID Andrews. You need to be bright to do it you need to have that drive and honestly, you can make a lot of money.”
Michigan workforce experts said skilled trades careers can often pay more than many jobs requiring a four-year degree.