MONROE, Mich. – Monroe County Community College has launched a new Pathway to Apprenticeships Certificate Program that was built in partnership with the Monroe/Lenawee AFL CIO Skilled Trades Council, Parmeshwar (Peter) Coomar, dean of Applied Science and Engineering Technology, has announced.
The one-year, two-semester program is designed prepare students for entry into registered apprenticeships and skilled trades careers. It will develop the foundational technical skills, safety knowledge and trade awareness students need to succeed in today’s construction environments.
Students will gain hands-on experience in construction methods, materials, safety, math and blueprint reading, Coomar said. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with applied learning to introduce the expectations and responsibilities of skilled trades professionals. Elective options allow students to explore specific trades such as welding, electrical, mechanical drafting or building systems.
Those who could benefit from the Pathway to Apprenticeships Certificate Program include:
- Individuals seeking a direct pathway into an apprenticeship
- Career changers exploring skilled trades
- High school graduates wanting job-ready skills
- Employers seeking pre-apprenticeship training for future apprentices
Coomar said those who pursue the certificate can gain a strong technical foundation aligned with apprenticeship expectation; hands on experience with tools, materials and construction practices; competency in technical math, safety and blueprint reading; exposure to multiple skilled trades fields, and a competitive edge when applying to registered apprenticeship programs.
They will be positioned to pursue apprenticeships in plumbing, pipefitting, welding, HVAC/R, construction labor and trades helper roles, he said.
Other benefits for program completers include the following with Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 671:
- Advance standing for application
- Direct interview
- Credit towards required RTI (related technical instruction) apprenticeship hours
For more information, contact Levi Good, MCCC apprentice Coordinator, at (734) 384-4270 or lgood@monroeccc.edu or Jennifer St. Charles
division coordinator for MCCC's ASET Division, at (734) 384-4112 or jstcharles@monroeccc.edu.
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college’s mission is to enrich lives in our community by providing opportunity through student-focused, affordable, quality higher education and other learning experiences. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located in Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.
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