The Pathway to Apprenticeships Certificate is a one year, two-semester program designed to prepare students for entry into registered apprenticeships and skilled trades careers. Built in partnership with the Monroe/Lenawee AFL CIO Skilled Trades Council, this program develops the foundational technical skills, safety knowledge and trade awareness needed to succeed in today’s construction environments.
Program Overview
Students gain hands-on experience in construction methods, materials, safety, math and blueprint reading. 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.
This program is ideal for:
• 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
Program Structure
Total Credits: 22-25
Total Contact Hours: 28-34
Duration: 2 semesters (Fall + Winter)*
What Graduates Gain
• A strong technical foundation aligned with apprenticeship expectations
• Hands on experience with tools, materials and construction practices
• Technical math, safety and blueprint reading competencies
• Exposure to multiple skilled trades fields
• A competitive edge when applying to registered apprenticeship programs
Career Pathways
Graduates are positioned to pursue apprenticeships in:
• Plumbing
• Pipefitting
• Welding
• HVAC/R
• Construction laborer/trades helper roles
Disclaimer: Monroe County Community College is not a Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsor and does not provide direct placement into apprenticeship programs. Students and graduates interested in registered apprenticeship through union or construction trades should pursue opportunities at their own discretion.
Apprenticeship Pathways for Graduates
Advance Standing Provisions:
- Interview Priority: Direct interview upon completion with “C” grade or better, and meeting minimum entry requirements per Section IV-MPPJATC Standards
- Aptitude/Entrance Exam Adjustments: None
- RTI Hours Credit Cap: OSHA 30 = 40 RTI hours
- Recency Requirement: Completion within three past 3 years
- Other Considerations: None
UA Local 671 Website: https://unitedassociationlocal671.com/
UA Local 671 Contact Information:
Justin McManaway, Apprenticeship & Training Coordinator
justin@ualocal671.com
Advance Standing Provisions:
- Interview Priority: Not Required
- Aptitude/Entrance Exam Adjustments: Not Required
- RTI Hours Credit Cap: Up to 136 RTI hours with minimum 70% - C grade; per specified coursework
- Recency Requirement: Completion within the past 5 years
- Other Considerations: None
LIUNA Training of Michigan Website: https://www.lt-mi.org/
LIUNA Training of Michigan Contact Information:
Jeff Smrz, Training Director
jsmrz@lt-mi.org
Tyrese West, Apprenticeship Coordinator
twest@lt-mi.org
