On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Kansas City Northland community came together to celebrate two ceremonial groundbreakings of the Northland Workforce Development Center (NWDC), a 145,000-square-foot facility dedicated to preparing students and adults for high-demand careers.
With programs ranging from construction and manufacturing to nursing and social services, the NWDC will provide hands-on training that strengthens the local workforce pipeline while supporting regional economic growth.
Community and state leaders, including Mayor Quinton Lucas, former Missouri Governor Mike Parson, and other local legislators, joined educators, students, and investors at the events to mark the start of construction.
Morning Ceremony Speakers: Christy Collins (NWDC Board President), Brian Noller (NWDC Campaign Lead), Senator Tony Luetkemeyer, Dr. Jay Harris (PCR-3 Superintendent), KC Councilman Nathan Willett, Kathy Rose (NWDC Board), Jeff Green (NCC Director), Noah Rees (NCC Aviation Student), Kansas City City Manager Mario Vasquez, Mayor Quinton Lucas, and Former Missouri Governor Mike Parson.
Afternoon Ceremony Speakers: Brian Noller, Senator Maggie Nurrenbern, KC Councilman Wes Rogers, Megan Drummond (NCC Assistant Director), Samantha Dodson (NCC Law Enforcement/CSI Student), Jeff Green, Representative Chris Brown, Tyler Fadler (PCR-3 Board Vice President), Dr. Jay Harris, Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger, and KC Councilman Nathan Willett.
“This project is the result of more than a decade of listening to our community’s workforce needs and the rapid growth of our Northland Career Center programs,” said Brian Noller, NWDC Campaign Lead.
“This Center represents more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about creating opportunities for the future of the Northland,” said Dr. Jay Harris, Platte County School District Superintendent.
The Center is designed by Clark & Enersen and constructed by JE Dunn, with completion planned for summer 2027.