The West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) has been a home away from home for many students pursuing careers in the trades. Celebrating its third anniversary, WMCI continues to provide hands-on training to both high school and adult students looking to build a future in commercial construction. Located at 801 Century Avenue Southwest in downtown Grand Rapids, the institute is dedicated to equipping students with the practical skills needed for success in the workforce.
Just a short 2.6 miles south of WMCI, Grace Christian University has been a cornerstone of Christian higher education in Wyoming, Michigan, since 1961. As a four-year institution, Grace Christian University offers degrees in full-time ministry, human services, and business. Now, through an innovative partnership, students can combine their faith-based education with hands-on trades training, creating a unique pathway to a future in the trades.
Grace Christian University & WMCI on WGVU
Grace Christian University President Ken Kemper and WMCI President Jen Schottke recently shared insights into the unique partnership between Grace Christian University and WMCI in a recent interview on WGVU. Listen to the full discussion here.
A Partnership That Makes Sense
“This partnership makes so much sense,” said Jen Schottke of WMCI. “Students aren’t just headed in one direction. Education often categorizes them as either college-bound or workforce-bound, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Students are both.”
This idea set the stage for collaboration. Grace Christian University recognized the need for students to have access to both higher education and practical trade skills, making WMCI the perfect partner.
“When Grace Christian reached out to explore how our students could experience both worlds, it was a resounding yes for me,” Schottke explained. “This partnership allows Grace Christian students to enroll in WMCI programs and gain trades education as part of their college experience.”
The Lightbulb Moment
Grace Christian University President Ken Kemper recalled how the idea took root. “We were talking to donors who love what we’re doing, people with a faith background who invest in our institution,” he said. “Some of them mentioned their sons or nephews were going into the trades, and they asked if there was a way to combine their values with vocational training.”
These conversations led to the discovery that many in the construction industry already had strong connections with WMCI. “They said, ‘We work with West Michigan Construction Institute and love what they’re doing. You should meet with them.’ That’s when the lightbulb went off,” Kemper added. “It wasn’t bright yet, but it was flickering!”
Fast forward to January 2025, and the first cohort of students is set to begin this groundbreaking dual-enrollment program.
Preparing Students for Leadership in the Trades
The partnership isn’t just about gaining trade skills; it’s about equipping students for leadership.
“When you talk to construction company owners in West Michigan, you’ll often hear that they started in the trades,” said Schottke. “Today, they run companies with hundreds of employees. This program is for students who want to learn with their hands, master a trade, and eventually lead in the industry.”
Grace Christian University has strategically integrated this program into its Bible-centered curriculum, preparing students to lead with a biblical foundation and identifying future construction business owners as ideal candidates for this program partnership.
How It Works
“We want to work well together,” President Kemper said. “WMCI does an incredible job training future tradespeople with hands-on experience and cutting-edge facilities. Meanwhile, we provide the academic framework, ensuring students can integrate faith-based leadership with technical expertise.”
The program offers flexibility, allowing students to choose from various trades, including carpentry, concrete, plumbing, electrical, and sprinkler fitting, while pursuing a bachelor’s or associate degree at Grace Christian University.
A Transfer Pathway for Continued Growth
One of the standout features of the program is its transferability.
“Since Grace Christian is an accredited institution with regional accreditors, these credits can transfer into any degree,” explained President Kemper. “Graduates leave with both a national trades certification from WMCI and an accredited associate or bachelor’s degree. This dual qualification prepares them for roles in the trades and beyond.”
Who Is This For?
“Come one, come all,” Schottke said with enthusiasm. “We see all kinds of students, 18-year-olds fresh out of high school and individuals on their second, third, or even fourth career path. Maybe life changed for them, or maybe they finally discovered who they are and want to enter the trades.”
The program caters to both high school graduates eager to enter the workforce and those changing careers looking for new opportunities.
More Than a Career
This partnership isn’t just about skill development, it’s about purpose.
“At Grace Christian, our mission is Graduating Courageous Ambassadors for Christ who Make An Eternal Impact Wherever They Go ,” President Kemper said. “We often talk about making an impact through business, ministry, or social services, but what about the trades? Have you considered how working with your hands can be part of that calling? When we look at Scripture, Jesus Himself was a carpenter.
Now, with our “Jesus Program,” we’re asking, how can you fully step into the person God has created you to be, no matter where the trades take you? We love that idea. It brings a fresh perspective to what it means to follow that calling.
The trade is a way to be the person God wants you to be in a hands-on, impactful career.”
Schottke echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the service element in trades. “When I talk to students, I remind them that after a crisis, like the wildfires in California, it’s tradespeople who restore water, power, and homes. What better way to serve than with an incredible skill?”
Looking Ahead
As this partnership launches, both institutions are eager to see how it transforms students’ futures.
“I’m thrilled by the reception from Jen, her team, and WMCI’s board,” Kemper said. “We’re preparing a workforce that not only has incredible skills but also strong biblical values. That’s something truly special.”
For those interested in this unique program, the first step is getting in contact with an advisor at Grace by calling (616) 585‑0404. For general information about WMCI, visit wmcinstitute.com.
With this innovative partnership, futures are changing, one skilled, faith-driven professional at a time.
