In so many ways, apprenticeships offered through Washtenaw Community College are a win/win situation.
Both students and employers can be the clear beneficiaries of programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Healthcare, Transportation and Welding.
“At a time when there’s a critical need for skilled workers, apprenticeships are a big part of the answer,’’ said Brandon Tucker, Associate Vice President of Workforce and Community Development. “And these typically are well-paying jobs with room for promotion.”
With the economy on the rebound, WCC is getting the message out that employers are on the lookout for qualified employees with the advanced skills and knowledge to meet employers’ unique needs.
There’s still time, Tucker said, for people interested in learning new skills or upgrading existing skills to register for the Summer semester, which starts on May 10.
WCC has a long and successful history in offering apprenticeships.
The college has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor with a special status as “Leaders of Excellence in Apprenticeship, Development, Education and Research.”
WCC has created more than 5,000 online courses for the United Association (UA) instructors nationwide, with 25,000 apprentices enrolled in these courses.
The UA, along with the Ironworkers and Plasterers and Masons, attend classes each summer on WCC’s campus for their “train-the trainer” programs.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, classes last year were conducted remotely.
Here are some of the registered apprenticeships programs at WCC:
- Advanced Manufacturing: Mechatronics.
- Information Technology: Cybersecurity.
- Healthcare: Radiography, Surgical Technology.
- Transportation: Automotive Services Technician, Automotive Test Technician, Powertrain Development Technician.
- Welding: Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship, Welding and Fabrication Principles.
For students, apprenticeships allow you to earn a degree or certificate with no student debt and provide a salary while you learn. Find more details on the WCC Workforce Development website.
For employers, apprenticeships fill employment needs with skilled workers, increase employee recruitment and retention and improve knowledge transfer.
Truly a win/win.
Tags: Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Transportation, Apprenticeships, April 2021, Healthcare, Information Technology, On The Record, Welding and Fabrication, ousearch_News_2021