Image: City of Sterling Heights
A brand-new, 100,000-square-foot trades training facility has just opened its doors in Sterling Heights — and it’s already being called a game-changer for Michigan’s skilled workforce.
The new Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA) campus is more than just a building. It’s a bold investment in the next generation of electricians, carpenters, HVAC techs, welders, and more.
Building the Next Generation of Builders
For years, SEMCA’s Madison Heights campus was bursting at the seams. Demand for quality trades training kept climbing, but space and resources were limited. This new 100,000-square-foot campus finally changes that.
With expanded classrooms, cutting-edge labs, and real equipment used on job sites, the new facility gives students the chance to learn the trades the right way, through hands-on experience.
What’s Inside
The new Sterling Heights facility is designed to mirror modern job sites: clean, open, and packed with tools, machines, and training equipment that reflect real-world field conditions.
Here’s a look inside the new space:
Electrical Training Labs with real-world wiring systems and safety modules
HVAC & Mechanical Labs for troubleshooting, brazing, and diagnostics
Welding Booths with ventilation systems and MIG, TIG, and stick setups
Carpentry Workshops designed for framing, finish work, and power tool training
Heavy Construction Labs simulating infrastructure and site work
With an $8 million investment from the State of Michigan, SEMCA’s Sterling Heights campus is built to train hundreds of students per year across multiple trades programs.
Why This Matters for Michigan
Michigan is facing one of the nation’s largest skilled labor gaps. Retirements are outpacing replacements, and employers are struggling to find qualified electricians, HVAC technicians, and welders.
The new SEMCA facility directly tackles that challenge — giving young people, veterans, and career-changers a local, affordable, and modern training ground for high-demand, high-paying trades.
A Boost for the Local Workforce
Beyond the classrooms, this new training center is an economic win for Sterling Heights and all of Macomb County. Local contractors, construction firms, and manufacturers will now have a steady pipeline of skilled graduates trained right in their backyard.
With wages in trades like electrical, HVAC, and welding often ranging from $60,000 to $100,000+, the career potential for graduates is huge.
Why TradesmenUp Is Paying Attention
At TradesmenUp, we’re watching this closely because this is exactly the kind of progress the skilled trades need nationwide.
When a facility like SEMCA’s opens, it sends a message: Skilled work matters. It shows students that the trades aren’t a “backup plan”, they’re the foundation of America’s future.
The new Sterling Heights campus isn’t just about labs and classrooms. It’s about raising the bar, giving future tradesmen and women the tools, respect, and education they deserve.
Get Involved
If you’re in Michigan and thinking about a career in the trades, now’s your time. Visit SEMCA’s official site to explore programs, enrollment dates, and apprenticeship opportunities.
If you’re a contractor looking to keep your company fully staffed, you can post your open roles or find qualified tradespeople on:
TradesmenUp Job Board — Post open roles and connect with verified talent in HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, and more.
TradesmenUp Resume database — Browse candidate profiles, view experience previews, and unlock full resumes to find your next hire.
Speed-to-hire is required for you to grow and TradesmenUp is built to keep your workforce strong.
