By Allison Peck
North Platte, Neb. - Mid-Plains Community College will celebrate the completion of its new Electrical Technology Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 18.
The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. on the North Platte Community College North Campus at 1101 Halligan Drive. Community members, industry partners, and the public are invited to attend and tour the new facility.
The new building marks a major milestone for Mid-Plains Community College, as it is the first new building constructed on the North Campus since the early 1990s.
The Electrical Technology program has operated out of its previous facility since 1979 and has expanded over the years to include an Electrical Automation degree. The program continues to see strong demand, regularly operating full classes with a waitlist.
As demand for residential and commercial electricians has grown, college officials say the new facility will allow MPCC to better train students entering the workforce.
“This building represents our commitment to the community, our investment in the trades and our dedication to preparing a skilled workforce,” said Dr. Jody Tomanek, vice president for academic affairs and North Platte Community College. “It opens the door to expanded opportunities not only for students, but for professionals and partners across the state.”
Electrical Technology instructors Jake Elmshaeuser and Scott Mustion said the new space significantly improves safety, visibility, and efficiency for hands-on training.
“The new facility gives us individual workstations, better sight lines and more room for hands-on training,” Elmshaeuser said. “It allows us to train more students without sacrificing the quality or safety of instruction.”
In addition to student instruction, the building will support continuing education, license renewal training, and professional development opportunities for electricians already working in the field. College officials expect the expanded offerings to attract professionals from across the region.
A unique feature of the program is that students are taught by licensed electricians who continue to work in the field.
“We’re electricians teaching future electricians,” Elmshaeuser said. “Our students learn real-world skills and experience, so they’re prepared for what they’ll encounter on the job.”
The MPCC Electrical Technology program can be completed in one year through five eight-week courses, allowing students to enter the workforce more quickly while reducing education costs. Faculty emphasize hands-on training and individualized support to prepare graduates for success in the electrical industry.
“The trades are alive and thriving,” Mustion said. “This is a great opportunity to showcase our program and benefit our community, our workforce and the future.”