The Center for Applied Technology (CAT) opened for classes in January 2019. The center prepares students for careers in industrial technology education, manufacturing, construction and safety management, drafting, engineering, and computer sciences. The center features new tech-savvy classrooms and state-of-the-art instructional labs for drafting and design, manufacturing, welding, power and energy, construction and woodworking, robotics, computing and networking, and mechatronics (technology combining electronics and mechanical engineering). These labs provide real hands-on learning experience with equipment and technology that directly transfer to jobs in the industry.
The CAT also provides Northeast Nebraska with a facility to support management training for industry, encourages ongoing employee development, fosters small business entrepreneurs interested in manufacturing, and engages in applied research with industry. It also serves as the career academy for Northeast Nebraska school districts, introducing thousands of high school students to careers in industrial technology.
