Detroit-Area Colleges Expand Apprenticeship Programs to Fill Skilled Trades Jobs

Community colleges across Metro Detroit have built apprenticeship tracks that connect students to skilled trades while they stack up credits and paychecks. Macomb Community College, Schoolcraft College, Henry Ford College, and Oakland Community College partner with over 100 employers. These tracks span construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Nearly 800 students at Macomb Community College attend classes tied to skilled trade apprenticeships. Map+ is free, and it runs one semester. Students walk away with nine credits. Map+ stands for Michigan Apprenticeship Program Plus Industrial Readiness. About 70% of graduates land apprenticeships or entry positions after finishing, says MCC Professor and Apprentice Coordinator Vikki Gordon.

"It is a very proven, very successful workforce development model," Gordon told Outlier Media. "We will get you in front of an audience of hiring employers, especially those who have apprenticeship programs."

Jake Wigginton signed up for Map+ straight out of high school. At a networking fair, he snagged an apprenticeship with Saint Clair Systems. Now 21, Wigginton works as a certified maintenance technician while his employer pays for classes at MCC. He earns wages during class time.

"The Map+ program is definitely the way to go because it helped me a lot with understanding trade work," Wigginton said. "And there are so many opportunities because even the professors have connections that could lead to an opportunity if you don't get hired at the job fair."

Schoolcraft College runs 45 employer-backed apprenticeship tracks. Most focus on skilled trades. Healthcare workers can pursue certifications in MRI, vascular ultrasound, interventional radiology, and musculoskeletal ultrasound through the school. CVS partners with Schoolcraft on a Pharmacy Technician track that can result in instant hiring.

Across the country, 92% of people who complete apprenticeships stick with their employer three to five years, according to Schoolcraft health professions liaison Donna Moyer. Around 90% remain past five years. Student debt? Most graduates have little to none.

Michigan sits at number four among all states for workforce development. Strong skilled trades tracks, colleges, and universities drive this ranking.