A New Era for ABC SEMI
(left to right) Deanna Morley, SEMCA Vice President; Chris Holsbeke, owner Holsbeke Construction and ABC Southeastern Michigan board chairman; Candice Miller, Macomb County Drain Commissioner; Congressman John James; State Representative Rob Robinson; Keith Ledbetter, SEMCA President and CEO; Sean Fisher, owner Third Coast Electric and SEMCA board chairman; Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel; Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini; Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor; and Macomb County Commissioner Don VanSyckel.
Expanded Opportunities at Sterling Heights Campus
As Michigan’s construction industry continues to grow, so too does the need for a strong, unified hub for training, connection and advocacy. This fall, both the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan will begin a new chapter with the opening of a brand-new, 100,000-square-foot facility in Sterling Heights.
While SEMCA’s relocation addresses the skyrocketing demand for skilled trades education, ABC SEMI’s move to the same campus represents a strategic investment in the future of its members. The new space will not only support the association’s administrative and training functions, but it will also feature dedicated areas for members to meet, network and participate in industry events.
ABC SEMI and SEMCA staff celebrate the opening of their new location.
“This new campus is more than just a training center—it’s a space where our members can come together, build connections and grow professionally,” said Keith Ledbetter, President and CEO of ABC SEMI. “We’re proud to invest in a facility that reflects the strength and potential of our membership and the broader construction community.”
Located on Van Dyke Avenue, the state-of-the-art campus will house modern classrooms, trade labs, and flexible meeting and event spaces. Designed with growth in mind, the Sterling Heights Campus will initially accommodate more than 400 SEMCA apprentices, with room to expand as industry needs evolve.
For ABC SEMI, it’s a chance to offer more in-person training sessions, host regional meetings and foster community among members. The $10 million investment is being supported by a proposed $8 million state appropriation, championed by Representative Ron Robinson (R–Utica), who has emerged as a vocal advocate for workforce development and vocational training in the region. Co-sponsored by Representative Tom Kuhn (R–Troy), the legislation reflects broad support for enhancing Michigan’s skilled labor pipeline.
“Trade schools like SEMCA and strong organizations like ABC are key to solving Michigan’s workforce challenges,” said Rep. Robinson. “This investment represents more than a building—it’s a commitment to the future of our state’s economy.”
Local officials have echoed that sentiment. Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor praised the move, calling it a major win for the city and region.
ABC Southeastern Michigan and Southeast Michigan Construction Academy board of directors at the June 2nd groundbreaking.
“This campus will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and career development. We are excited to welcome SEMCA and ABC to Sterling Heights and look forward to the incredible impact they will have here,” Mayor Taylor said.
With projections from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity estimating a shortfall of more than 45,000 skilled trades professionals by 2030, the new campus will play a critical role in closing that gap— and ABC SEMI members will be at the forefront.
ABC SEMI will begin operating from the new Sterling Heights location this fall. Members can look forward to updated resources, greater event capacity and a stronger presence in southeast Michigan’s skilled trades ecosystem.
For more information about upcoming programs, partnership opportunities or to get involved, visit abcsemi.org.
