NORFOLK, Neb. -- Norfolk's new iHub project is set to revolutionize the local workforce landscape. This ambitious $7.5 million initiative, housed in a sprawling 17,000 square foot facility, aims to bridge the gap between industry needs and community potential.

By focusing on upscaling and credentialing, iHub is poised to become a cornerstone for manufacturing and agriculture sectors, fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.

A big part of the iHub sector is the membership aspect, which is a community-focused fabrication lab. This will house a wood shop, metal shop, and rapid prototyping. iHub Director Erin Sorensen said, “This will allow us to talk about laser cutters, 3D printers, and CAD designs for people to create and print out.”

When it comes to location and why it will overlook the corner of Seventh Street and Norfolk Avenue, it was not only to enforce Norfolk's downtown revitalization, but also to make sure residents and guests know it isn't just for college students. It's for anyone who needs it, such as college students looking for a certain design or entrepreneurs trying to prototype their project.

“We haven’t put out a membership yet, but we have done a lot of market research on what memberships cost in the area and make sure they are affordable for all to use," Sorensen said. 

For those looking to get their plan out of the beginning stages, they can attend workshops intended to help and train for success.

Northeast Community College hopes more kids will get involved with STEM and show them the career fields that exist in Norfolk once the iHub is built. Manufacturing and agriculture make up roughly 11% of jobs in the state of Nebraska, and training kids early will help get them into a good-paying job.

“We really look at it as a community," Sorensen said. "We are pretty far from any large city because we are two hours from Lincoln and about two hours from Omaha, which has kind of made Norfolk the hub. This state-of-the-art facility will also allow mobility. About 90% of our equipment is portable. We will be able to take equipment throughout the region and visit schools and other non-profits.”