Kirtland Community College Workforce Development Program Expands Apprenticeship Opportunities
As a US Department of Labor apprenticeship intermediary, the college will hold apprenticeship standards and sponsor occupations
Grayling, MI, March 10, 2021 — Kirtland Community College recently expanded its leadership role in apprenticeship training by becoming an apprenticeship intermediary with the U.S. Department of Labor. As an apprenticeship intermediary, Kirtland holds apprenticeship standards and can sponsor apprenticeship occupations for small- and medium-sized companies. The designation will allow local businesses to fill workforce gaps by developing their own talent, while relying on Kirtland to work directly with the Department of Labor to manage the apprenticeships.
“Apprenticeship training combines on-the-job training with related technical instruction to produce highly-skilled workers who are experts at their trade,” said Kathleen Fox, Director of Workforce Development at Kirtland Community College. “Our method of apprenticeship training is customized to the business, and Kirtland is uniquely equipped to serve businesses that do not have the capacity or desire to manage an apprenticeship program or to work directly with the Department of Labor.”
Department of Labor registered apprenticeships are paired with on-the-job training, and in many cases can also be used to earn college credits in pursuit of a degree or certificate. Upon completion, apprentices are awarded journeyworker status and earn national certification for their occupation.
“I am delighted to manage the apprenticeship intermediary program because it means more people working in jobs that pay well and allow them to work locally,” said Fox. “Keeping the talent here in northern Michigan will keep our communities strong and vibrant.”
With Kirtland holding apprenticeship standards, local employers can utilize college resources to train staff and manage programming. Apprenticeships are found in health care, hospitality, information technology, business, industrial and construction trades, and more. Apprenticeships can be one year or longer. Generally, employers pay for the apprentice’s education but with the announcement of the Michigan Reconnect program, apprentices over the age of 25 who do not have a college degree or certificate may be eligible to complete their training tuition-free.
“Local employers can collaborate with Kirtland to structure apprenticeship training to their unique processes, resulting in a custom-fitted workforce and improving employee retention among new hires and established employees training while working,” said Dr. Tom Quinn, President of Kirtland Community College. “Companies that have been struggling to find highly-trained employees with the right skill can now utilize Kirtland’s apprenticeship model of training and grow the talent they need to in turn grow their business.”
Those who are interested or want to learn more about apprenticeships can contact Kathleen Fox, Director of Workforce Development at [email protected] or 989-275-5000 ext. 313.
