Should the state technical college board agree, two buildings and related programs will see new space to learn in.
The Nicolet College Board recently approved the remodeling and repurposing of both the Birchwoods and Fieldside Centers. Two administrators at the college say the proposed construction will consolidate programs that will make it easier for students.
Dean of Trade and Industry, Jeff Labs says they will remodel and expand the Birchwoods Center to bring welding and manufacturing-related areas under one roof...
"..to accommodate the welding program, but also we have a metal fabrication program that is ready to launch. That program would use a lot of the same equipment..."
Labs says other programs use similar equipment and having them in one building is a plus for students and staff. Associate dean of Public Safety Jason Goeldner says public safety education would move to the Fieldside Center, the former daycare. That building would be a public safety center that will deliver programs ...
"So we would have somewhere in the 9,000-12,000 square foot addition to be able to occupy all the programs we have in public safety..."
Goeldner says public safety courses are spread out in many buildings and will be brought under one roof. The projects will be under the $1.5 million dollar state cap before it would need to go to a referendum. Labs says if the state agrees, construction would begin next spring.
