Schoolcraft College in Livonia is the first in the state to adopt a new program that aims to enable future bricklayers to earn school credit during their apprenticeships, officials said.
The program and Schoolcraft’s participation were announced Tuesday by Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, the Michigan Community College Association, and Michigan’s Labor and Economic Development Office.
The union and the community college association signed an agreement Tuesday to create the program, officials said. The Schoolcraft College Foundation helped secure support and funding for the new program.
“I thank Schoolcraft College President Dr. Glenn Cerny for leading the way to early adoption of this program,” Susan Corbin, the Department of Labor and Economic Development’s director, said in a statement. “This program enables past, current, and future apprentices to earn college credit for their on-the-job training.
“It opens doors to degrees and certifications that strengthen careers, support employers, and build a skilled, adaptable workforce across Michigan.”
Corbin also said her department believes the agreement to create the program is one of the first in the country to facilitate a transfer agreement to union workers.
Brett Gierak, president of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2 of Michigan, praised the program.
“This partnership is one more tool for us to recruit and train union workers and leaders,” he said in a statement. “The program is an opportunity for our workers to continue their education without having to start over.”
Under the program, apprenticeship training and a learner’s experience count as credit toward an associate degree at 24 Michigan community colleges, according to officials.
“By awarding college credit for apprenticeship, we are creating clear pathways for apprentices to further their education, gain additional skills, and advance their careers to build a stronger workforce and support local employers,” said Brandy Johnson, president of the Michigan Community College Association.
Furthermore, apprentices in the program will be given access to tutoring, advisors, and student wellness services as they learn in a hands-on environment, connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, officials said.
Cerny said Schoolcraft College is looking forward to welcoming students in the program to campus.
“This agreement is meeting learners where they are and moving them forward statewide,” he said in a statement. “Hands-on training while earning credit for this experience is vital to their success. We look forward to welcoming these workers to Schoolcraft College as they continue their education and grow their skills.”
Schoolcraft College enrolls more than 30,000 students each year in both credit programs and personal and professional learning courses. It has more than 130 programs that provide skills certificates, associate degrees, post-associate certificates, or Bachelor of Science degrees.
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@CharlesERamirez
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan bricklayer apprentices can get college credit in new program
Reporting by Charles E. Ramirez, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Charles E. Ramirez, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
