New Automotive Training Building at Central Community College Hastings
HASTINGS – Central Community College (CCC) Hastings campus celebrated the opening of its new Gosper Automotive Careers Training Building with a ribbon-cutting event on September 22. The 42,000-square-foot facility, costing $23 million, officially began construction in May 2025.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen highlighted the significance of community colleges in workforce development during his speech. He noted, “College is not for all of us… I couldn’t be prouder of what our community colleges do for creating extraordinary careers,” emphasizing the swift certification paths available, ranging from eight weeks to several years.
The event attracted over 200 attendees, including local officials. Governor Pillen acknowledged the visible progress on the college’s campus, stating, “There’s cranes and construction… and it doesn’t happen without all the people here. Congratulations to Hastings Community College!”
CCC is committed to serving 25 counties, and most of its buildings honor these regions. Notable participants in the event included Terry Lordall and Bruce Bader from the Gosper County Board of Commissioners, who presented a framed picture of John J. Gosper, the county’s namesake.
Currently, 91 automotive students are enrolled, with 56 being first-year students. Jesus Gomez, a second-year student from Lexington, shared his journey, saying, “Since I was younger, I developed a love for cars… the skills I have learned will be taken into a professional career.”
Nick Kelley, a CCC automotive instructor for ten years, emphasized the demand for entry-level automotive workers. He remarked, “They want individuals with a good work ethic… we try to develop skills so students are ready to go.”
A recent survey found that 91% of CCC graduates remain in the 25-county area, almost all staying in Nebraska.
Traci Stalberg, executive director of the CCC Foundation, discussed the collaborative funding effort for the new building, stating, “This is public-private partnership at work… $17 million is a significant commitment for this college.”
Brian Levander, owner of Levander’s Auto in Grand Island, noted the evolving automotive industry since CCC’s inception in 1966. “That takes training, it takes equipment, it takes instructors… and a place where someone can learn those skills in a real-world environment,” he stated.
The new facility promises to enhance the educational and professional landscape for students pursuing careers in the automotive sector.
