Greater Michigan Construction Academy

08/27/2026

We are proud to recognize Matt Fortier, a valued member of the GMCA team since 2018. Matt has become an important part of our instructor family over the years he has taught IMM and Core while also helping with our homeschool program. His dedication to his students and willingness to help wherever he is needed make him a tremendous asset to GMCA.
Matt is always happy, positive, and a joy to be around. His students genuinely enjoy his classes, and his enthusiasm for teaching shines through in the relationships he builds with them.
Beyond the classroom, Matt is always ready to lend a hand when something needs fixing around the building. This month, when the welding department needed help with a saw cooling motor, Matt was there the very next day to start working on it. His quick response and eagerness to help are just another example of his commitment to our team.
Matt’s positive attitude, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond make him a true team player. GMCA is truly fortunate to have Matt on our team, and we are grateful for all that he does!

08/25/2026

This year marks our 9th student built home! #

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

Every student has a story and a dream for their future.
In this clip our Work-Based Learning students introduce themselves, share the high school they attend, talk about the trade or career they are interested in, and explain why they chose GMCA.
We’re excited to showcase the voices and goals of the next generation of skilled professionals!

08/24/2026

THE CLASSROOMS ARE BUZZING AGAIN!

Our work-based learning program is officially back in session, and GMCA is excited to welcome more than 100 high school students back!! We’ve got future electricians, carpenters and welders ready to roll up their sleeves, learn new skills and discover where a career in the skilled trades can take them.

And of course, a big WELCOME BACK to our instructors! We’re grateful for the experience, energy and passion they bring to our students every day.

A new year. New skills. New opportunities.
Let’s see what this group builds!

08/20/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐝

GMCA would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the family of Gordon Lloyd for their incredibly generous donation in his memory.

Gordon was a mechanical engineer at Dow for 37 years and passed away in January of this year. In honor of his life and career, his family chose to donate power tools, hand tools, shop vacs, and a variety of shop items to GMCA.

These tools will have a lasting impact on our students, giving the next generation of skilled tradespeople the opportunity to learn, practice, and build with equipment that carries a meaningful story.

During their visit, Gordon’s family shared a simple but powerful quote:

“If you’re not giving back, you’re not going forward.”

That spirit of giving back is a wonderful reflection of Gordon’s legacy. We are truly grateful to his family for choosing GMCA as a place where his tools—and his legacy—can continue to make a difference.

Thank you for helping us build the future of the skilled trades while honoring Gordon’s memory.

08/20/2026

𝑶𝑵𝑳𝒀 1 𝑺𝑷𝑶𝑻 𝑨𝑽𝑨𝑰𝑳𝑨𝑩𝑳𝑬! 𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕! Introduce your child to the skilled trades in a fun, encouraging environment where they can learn new skills, build confidence, and create something they can be proud of.
During this hands-on session, your child will learn important shop safety, hand tool skills, and power tool basics while creating a beautiful plant stand to take home!
Come build, learn, and discover the skilled trades with us!
Deadline to Register: September 8, 2026
Deadline for Payment: September 14, 2026 (NO EXCEPTIONS! - If payment is not made by September 14, your child/children will be unenrolled and not permitted to attend)
Register today at:
https://forms.gle/2UfNaXrbsrG8oUbG9

08/20/2026

Another amazing Trades Club Sponsor to celebrate! Thank you, DuPont for your continued support.

08/19/2026

𝑶𝑵𝑳𝒀 4 𝑺𝑷𝑶𝑻𝑺 𝑨𝑽𝑨𝑰𝑳𝑨𝑩𝑳𝑬! 𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕! Registration is NOW OPEN for our September Homeschool Class!
Join us for an exciting behind-the-scenes experience at SwiftWall!
Date: September 10
Time: 1:30–3:30 PM
Location: 1928 N. Stark Rd., Midland, MI
Ages: 12–18
Class Size: Limited to 12 students
Cost: $50 per student
During this interactive class, students will:
✔️ Learn about SwiftWall and the manufacturing industry.
✔️ Discover different types of equipment and the roles of machine operators.
✔️ Experience hands-on activities using equipment such as a router, drill press, and forklift.
✔️ Build a product individually and then as part of an assembly line in a timed exercise, demonstrating the importance of customer satisfaction, time management, teamwork, and efficiency.
This is a unique opportunity for homeschool students to explore advanced manufacturing while developing valuable workplace and life skills in a real-world setting.
Click here to register: https://forms.gle/1MnHqDpwXjwPmtrm7 Spots are limited and will fill quickly

08/19/2026

EXCELLENCE IN WELDING EDUCATION STARTS WITH EXCELLENT INSTRUCTORS

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Travis Arthur, one of our GMCA welding instructors, and his recent accomplishments with the American Welding Society (AWS).

Travis was recently one of just 25 welding instructors from across the country selected to attend the prestigious AWS Instructor Institute at AWS World Headquarters in Miami.

During the week-long experience, Travis trained alongside some of the most respected leaders in welding education and the industry, including two former AWS Presidents and the current AWS Vice President. The training focused on innovative teaching methods, student engagement, lesson planning, technical instruction and hands-on experience with the latest welding and cutting equipment.

And Travis didn’t just show up to learn—his team took first place in every welding competition they entered!

As if that weren’t enough, Travis was also recently selected by his peers within the American Welding Society as the Section Private Sector Instructor of the Year for his contributions to welding education and the welding industry during 2025.

We’re proud of these accomplishments, but what makes us even more excited is what Travis is bringing back to GMCA.

His continued professional development means our students benefit from new teaching techniques, industry knowledge, equipment experience and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the welding profession.

Travis’s goal goes beyond teaching students how to pass a weld test. He wants them to understand the industry, understand why they do things the way they do, and be prepared to step into the workforce with confidence.

When our instructors grow, our students grow with them.

Congratulations, Travis, on these well-deserved honors! We’re proud to have you representing GMCA and helping prepare the next generation of skilled welders.

This is what excellence in skilled trades education looks like.