APPRENTICESHIPS
A win-win opportunity in manufacturing and health care
Macomb Community College has long been a partner in providing apprenticeships that equally benefit students and employers in the skilled trades areas. Now, with state support, it’s developing the same win-win opportunity in several health care-related fields.
Combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training, apprenticeships provide students with skills that are directly applicable to the industry, a steady income and, in many cases, free tuition. Participating employers benefit from customized coursework, a better skilled and dedicated workforce, and greater retention of employees.
“This is an exciting time for apprenticeships in our region. Employers are embracing, or reembracing, apprenticeship as a workforce development strategy at a record pace and industries that haven’t traditionally used apprenticeship, such as health care, are a part of this movement,” said Vikki Gordon, Ed.D., apprentice coordinator for Engineering and Advanced Technology at Macomb. “Students are reaping the benefits of rewarding career pathways and employer-paid schooling that not only satisfies the educational requirements for their apprenticeship but counts in many cases toward associate degrees. This is a very exciting time for apprenticeship.”
The college serves as an educational partner in the development and coordination of apprenticeships, offering resources to apprentices and employers alike. Macomb’s major role in apprenticeship is the design and delivery of the coursework that complements the on-the-job training, which is provided by a sponsoring
company.
“My uncle works on CNC machines and that was cool to see in person when I was young. I went from a little kid going to a giant shop to working in one, and I’m very happy with that decision.” said Thomas Oliver, a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) apprentice at TK Mold & Engineering. “The apprenticeship allows me to apply what I’m learning in class the same day rather than learning for years and years and not being able to use that knowledge until the end.”
For eligible people who lack the foundational skills necessary for a skilled-trade apprenticeship like Oliver’s, free pre-apprenticeship training is available through the Michigan Apprenticeship Program Plus (MAP+). After completing four MAP+ courses at
Macomb, students receive an Industrial Readiness Certificate, a credential valued by employers who are recruiting apprentices for their companies. Such preparation is not necessary for health care apprenticeships.
Macomb Community College’s health apprenticeship team is working hard to bridge the gap in labor shortages at area hospital systems using our for credit and Workforce and Continuing Education programs. “Our health care apprentices will be hired by employers before they even begin their training at the college,” said Paula Primeau, DBA, associate dean, Health Sciences and Technology at Macomb. “They will also benefit from paid tuition, one-onone mentoring, and a Department of Labor credential upon successful completion.”