Flint Township View

MCC collaborates with AACC to expand apprenticeships


FLINT — Mott Community College (MCC) has entered into an agreement with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) as part of the Expanding Community College Apprenticeships Initiative (ECCA) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment Training Administration (DOL). ECCA is a partnership initiative between the AACC and DOL to establish and administer the AACC Virtual Apprenticeship Network (VAN).

The AACC will pay MCC up to $140,000 through February 2022 to expand existing MCC apprenticeship programs in order to meet growing needs for a skilled workforce. MCC will also develop new apprenticeships over a three-year period in advanced manufacturing, healthcare and other skilled trades. In partnership with area industry employers, this initiative will leverage the AACC ECCA funding to provide marketing, outreach, expertise and support to expand apprenticeships in these high-need areas.

The purpose of the ECCA initiative is to provide direct support to community colleges to effectively expand registered apprenticeship opportunities across the county. The VAN cooperative agreement supports AACC member colleges, enabling them to create a minimum of 12,000 new apprentices in their local communities.

“MCC has worked hard to develop a high-quality apprenticeship program that serves our community successfully,” said MCC President, Dr. Beverly-Walker- Griffea. “We are proud to have been identified as uniquely positioned to provide relevant career and technical education that supports registered apprenticeship opportunities for students that meet the needs of our local labor market and targeted industries,” she added.

It is anticipated that by 2021, in Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Shiawssee and Tuscola counties, there will be increased demand for skilled workers in a variety of fields. The highest demand will be for Certified Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aids, and other Healthcare support workers, as well as Auto/Diesel Mechanic, Electricians, and Welders. Also expected to grow is demand for HVAC technicians and CADD, Multi-skilled Robotics, Computer Numeric Controlled Machining, Production Operations, and Welding.

MCC plans to bridge the skills gap by providing apprenticeships in a broad range of industries. By working with industry partners to provide the following:

• Work-based training opportunities

• On-the-job training experiences

• Apprenticeship opportunities

• Paid internships (paid by the corporation)

• Utilization of incumbent worker training to upskill current employees

• Job placement

“This initiative will revitalize the community by helping local industry to gain a pipeline of skilled workers,” said Robert Matthews, Associate Vice President for Workforce & Economic Development. “Having a well-trained workforce will promote increased productivity and improve the bottom line for industry partners. Overall, expanding our apprenticeship program will increase the quality of life in our community as a whole,” he said.

MCC’s Apprentice Office provides full-service support to both the student and the corporation. The College works with individuals wanting apprenticeships, developing the technical instruction needed for their success. Collaborations with industry enable MCC to identify corporate needs and develop individualized programs to address those needs while ensuring that apprenticeship offerings are registered with the US DOL.

MCC apprenticeships serve a broad population including military veterans, under-represented socio-economic and ethnic groups, Opportunity Youth (youth, ages 16-24 who are not currently pursuing educational opportunities or employment), those impacted by the criminal justice system, and other disadvantaged or lowskilled individuals.

Businesses and organizations interested in becoming an apprenticeship partner can contact Lynne Reynolds, Coordinator of e-Learning and Apprentice Related Instruction at 810-762-0224 or lynne. reynolds@mcc.edu. G.G.