CCC Breaks Ground for Automotive Center
HASTINGS, Neb. – Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on May 2 at Central Community College-Hastings for a new automotive careers training center (ACTC).
The 42,000-square-foot facility will be home to CCC's auto body technology and automotive technology programs. The new center will move from an 80-year-old building and will feature five classrooms, a welding lab, a parts and tools suite, and oils and liquid storage.
“For 80 years, the current building has served both the Navy and Central Community College as a transportation repair hub,” said CCC-Hastings President Dr. Chris Waddle. “Our new building will bring automotive technology and auto body technology programs to the standards of our industry partners and provide our students with a world-class educational opportunity.”
Toby Stepanek, a first-year student in the automotive technology program, spoke to the gathering. While the new facility will be completed after his graduation from CCC, he said the impact of the new building is going to be huge for future automotive and auto body students.
“Not only will it bring in new students and more, it will also help them advance in the automotive world by making it efficient and give them hands-on experience in the lab,” Stepanek said.
The cost of the center is nearly $23 million. The college will provide the majority of funding for the center’s construction along with state-appropriated American Rescue Plan Agency funds. The Central Community College Foundation was tasked with raising $3.5 million, and executive director Traci Skalberg provided an update.
“I am thrilled to report that with the support of 96 donors, we are 99 percent of the way to the finish line,” said Skalberg. “While our tank isn’t quite full yet, a few more contributions will give us the fuel to cross that line.”
Brian Levander, owner and CEO of Levander’s Auto and a member of the executive leadership team for the ACTC, said while the automotive industry is evolving fast and technology has changed the landscape, finding skilled workers remains a struggle.
“We don’t just need people who can turn wrenches,” said Levander. “We need sharp minds. We need technicians who understand electronics, diagnostics, customer service and are ready to power the next generation of leaders in the field. That’s what this center will do. It will equip, inspire and empower.”
CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall closed the ceremony by thanking the taxpayers in the 25-county service area for providing the funds for the new ACTC.
“Next year will be our 60th anniversary when taxpayers in 17 counties chose to tax themselves to create the Central Nebraska Vocational Technical School District here in an old Navy ammunition plant,” Gotschall said. “The folks that had that vision, I don’t think could have even imagined what it has done in the 60 years since, expanding to 25 counties, thousands of students and now known as Central Community College.”
The new center is expected to be completed in late 2026 or early 2027.