A New Chapter
SEMCA Opens Sterling Heights Campus on First Day of School
An outside look of the new student entrance at the Sterling Heights campus.
The first day of school always brings a buzz of excitement —but this year at the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA), the energy was electric. Not only did SEMCA welcome back a record number of apprentices, continuing its steady march toward 1,000 trade school students, but it also opened the doors of its brand-new Sterling Heights campus for the very first time.
The campus came together at remarkable speed. After purchasing the building in May, SEMCA worked closely with Tower Group LLC to complete construction throughout the summer. By September, the classrooms were ready—just in time for students to kick off the new school year.
“This was a very ambitious project with a very real deadline,” said Keith Ledbetter, President and CEO of SEMCA and ABC SEMI. “Classrooms had to be done and ready for school September 3rd, which Tower Group made sure of. Every step of the way Brian and his team had regular check-ins with school administrators to ensure we would have our first day of school at our new building.”
Vince Cooley welcomes his electrical 4 students on the first day of school.
For many returning students, the change was clear before they even stepped inside. The new campus offers abundant parking, a welcome upgrade from the Madison Heights location, and a convenience that students noticed right away.
“There’s an incredible buzz tonight as students arrive at their new school,” said SEMCA electrical 4 instructor Vince Cooley on the first day of classes. “The students in my class have been with SEMCA for three years—they’re now at the culmination of their trade school journey, and even though they’re finishing up, they’re excited to spend their final year in this new facility.”
Once in the classrooms, the improvements only continued. Each space has been outfitted with upgraded technology, including smart board presentation systems installed by CCS Presentation Systems. The new technology was funded through a grant from ABC National’s Trimmer Grant committee, helping enhance the learning environment for apprentices across all trades.
“The technology is a piece we’re very excited for,” said SEMCA director of education Marissa Downs. “Although the smartboards come with a learning curve for our instructors, we’re excited the level of teaching they’re going to help bring to our programs. It really helps us push forward with new and innovative ways we train here at SEMCA for a career in construction.”
Leadership believes this move will leave a lasting impact.
“In my nearly 10 years with SEMCA, I’ve seen remarkable growth in enrollment. We’ve gone from 186 to now nearly 800 students,” Ledbetter said. “This new facility will serve as a cornerstone for current, former, new, and future students pursuing a career in construction for many years to come.”
With rising enrollment, a modernized facility, and a strong commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals, SEMCA’s Sterling Heights campus represents more than just a new building, it represents opportunity, growth, and a bright future for Michigan’s construction workforce.
The Trimmer Construction Education Fund reflects ABC’s long-standing commitment to growing a skilled, safe, and innovative construction workforce.
Since its inception, the fund has helped chapters and affiliates across the country provide students with the tools and training needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
At SEMCA’s Sterling Heights campus, the fund made a tangible difference: funding interactive smart boards that now equip classrooms with technology that brings lessons to life. Students collaborate on design challenges, engage with real-world scenarios, and learn hands-on skills that will directly translate to the job site. For instructors, these tools create a more dynamic and responsive learning environment, enhancing every lesson.
The impact of the Trimmer Fund extends beyond a single classroom. It empowers chapters to modernize training facilities, purchase essential equipment, and explore innovative educational programs. Every grant awarded is an investment in the next generation of construction professionals—workers who will build safely, efficiently, and creatively across our communities.
Supporting the fund is more than a contribution; it’s a chance to strengthen the foundation of the industry itself. As ABC members plan for 2026, the Trimmer Fund offers a way to extend the reach of high-quality construction education, helping ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed.
