BENZIE COUNTY — BEST Benzie County Educational Network is partnering with the Northern Michigan Attainment Collaborative to host a Training Fair Open House from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026, at the GROW Benzie Event Center in Benzonia.
According to NMC Extended Education & Training, the public is invited to attend the open house at 5885 Frankfort Highway. Organizers said the event is intended for job seekers, veterans, people taking a gap year and those considering a mid-career job change or looking to build skills for their current jobs.
The open house will share information for potential students and employers about training programs offered through NMAC partners and how those programs can lead to a credential, certification or college credit for students who continue with coursework.
The NMAC is a 10-county grant-funded collaborative of educational, community and industry partners working to increase the number of Michigan residents holding a certificate, credential or degree.
Organizers said employers can also use the open house to learn about courses or certificate programs aimed at training and retaining their workforce. Attendees can speak with program directors and instructors in credit and non-credit programs about training offered in person and online.
“The training fair is an opportunity to learn about training in bite-sized pieces,” Laura Stevens, director of Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education & Training, said.
“We are broadening the front door and welcoming non-traditional students to explore training in a wide variety of programs, including construction trades, welding, healthcare pathways, biomedical engineering technology, and many others,” Stevens said. “Or, if employers have a need for LEAN certification, project management, and leadership training, we can tailor a program specific to business needs. We truly believe that learning is age-unlimited and we can help participants find the right program to start, right now.”
More information is available at www.nomiac.com/training-fair.