NIC's tech facility is a 'go' for autumn

RATHDRUM — Classes are scheduled to begin this fall at North Idaho College's state of the art Career and Technical Education Facility in Rathdrum.

Construction on the 110,000-square-foot facility, located on Lancaster Road, began a year ago and crews were pouring the final piece of concrete slab at the site Tuesday. Chris Martin, NIC's vice president for finance and business affairs, told The Press college officials are excited about the project's progression and the school's ability to begin offering students a much-needed classroom upgrade.

"I am happy to report, everything is a go," Martin said.

There was a tight deadline on the project — one year of design and one year of construction — due in large part to the school's welding program, which is currently located in a leased facility at the Coeur d'Alene Industrial Park. NIC is no longer able to lease the space, Martin said, which prompted officials to construct the facility in six individual phases.

"The driving factor has been the welding facility and fabrication," Martin said. "That's coming together wonderfully."

Once completed, the facility will house the following programs:

• Automotive Technology

• Collision Repair Technology

• Computer Aided Design Technology, Architectural and Mechanical

• Diesel Technology

• Industrial Mechanic/Millwright Machining

• CNC/Welding Technology

"The real benefit is that this is not just for today, it's about making sure students have access to jobs in North Idaho in the future," Martin said. "We know what's needed today, but this building was designed so that, as things change, it can be flexible space used for different programs in the future should the needs change."

The total cost of the project is $20 million, and Martin credited NIC's board of trustees for being able to fund $15 million of it without the use of levies or bonds.

"To have that foresight, and to set aside a capital reserve fund, has been huge in allowing the college to truly meet industry needs and help improve the student environment," Martin added.

A public funding campaign to raise the remaining $5 million will launch on April 11. According to Martin, the school hopes individuals and businesses will rise to the challenge and help raise the remainder of the funds.

During a hard-hat tour of the facility on Tuesday, Martin told The Press his favorite aspect of the new facility is its two welding labs. The lab geared toward fabrication has rails that will eventually house a crane, Martin said, allowing students to bring large projects through high-bay doors into the facility.

A priority was placed on making all of the lab areas open, with windows that will allow other students, as well as prospective students, to check out the work being done inside. Natural light will fill the welding labs, which Martin said is a stark contrast to the dimly lit labs welding students are currently using.

"To have this huge fabrication space that is just like what you'd see in industry, we don't have that now," Martin said. "We wanted to make it as much like the industrial experience as possible. When students finish the program they will know exactly what to expect in the industry."

Every student service available on the NIC campus will also be present at the facility, Martin said. Student common areas, and traditional classroom space, are included.

In the center of the horseshoe-shaped building will be a courtyard, which is slated to be an outdoor activity area.

Additional space at the facility will allow local companies to host training sessions for their employees. Those same companies, Martin said, will also be able to use the space to provide special training to students.

"This has been a partnership with business and industry in an effort to make sure we are meeting the needs of the workforce," Martin added. "It's really, really great."