Central Community College Breaks Ground: New Automotive Facility Set for Launch in Hastings - NEW BOX OFFICE TO DAY

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) – On Friday, representatives from Central Community College initiated construction for a new facility at the Hastings campus. This upcoming structure will be home to the Automotive Careers Training Center.

The present location for automotive courses is 80 years old. Although CCC authorities claim the structure still operates adequately, it fails to accommodate the increasing need for automotive programming.

The upcoming facility will feature five classrooms, a welding laboratory, a workshop with necessary equipment and tools, as well as spaces designated for storing various fluids like oil. Financial support comes via individual contributions along with government funds allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act. On Friday, the CCC Foundation disclosed they have nearly reached their target, having secured approximately 99% of the required budget for building this project.

Christopher Waddle, who serves as the president of Hastings Campus, mentioned that the newly constructed facility will offer increased room for both students and educators, along with incorporating advanced technological upgrades.

It was crucial for us to examine the upcoming technologies in automobiles and car frames," Waddle stated. "For instance, with electric vehicles—while the industry isn’t entirely certain about their final form, we needed to devise methods to safeguard our construction against future demands. This way, we can accommodate these cars, enable them to be charged, and allow maintenance of their batteries.

The current automotive student Toby Stepanek mentioned that the new facility will provide increased chances for practical learning experiences.

“Much of what this will provide for them is getting some practical experience,” Stepanek stated. “Currently, I acquire a great deal of theoretical knowledge, yet practical skills are equally vital. It’s essential to actually work on a vehicle. Given our current student count and limited workspace, we face numerous challenges.”

Matt Gotschall, who leads CCC, acknowledged the advancement of the project to the backing from both state and federal levels.

We're genuinely delighted that at every level of government—be it federal or state—there's broad agreement on helping people enter technical fields," Gotschall stated. "It particularly pleases us to get backing from the state, which originated from some of the federal ARPA funds.

Should everything proceed according to plan, the new Automotive Careers Training Center might be ready to open by Fall 2026.

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