Fort Hays Tech North Central

Completed in February 2026, the Fort Hays Tech North Central Hansen Construction Career Center serves as a new centerpiece for the campus and a regional hub for construction and trades education. The 29,820 sqft facility, including a mezzanine level, was designed to expand training capacity and help address the ongoing shortage of skilled trades workers in Western Kansas. As part of Fort Hays Tech’s affiliation with Fort Hays State University, the center elevates the visibility and impact of technical education in the region.

The building includes extensive carpentry, electrical, and HVAC/plumbing labs. The facility also supports the construction of two student-built homes annually which increases both educational opportunity and community benefit through home auctions that support the tech program and college. A mezzanine level overlooks the active labs below which reinforces connection between instruction and practice. Students also benefit from two commons areas for collaboration and building community. The two-story atrium entry features murals and donor recognition while portions of the ceilings are open to expose building systems.

The Hansen Construction Career Center is a highly visible, hands-on learning environment that strengthens workforce pipelines, increases student interest, and demonstrates the lasting value of community investment.