BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Lake Michigan College will celebrate the Nation’s second annual Apprenticeship Week on Monday, Nov. 14 in its new Hanson Technology Center. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. The program begins at 8 a.m. and includes a tour of the new Hanson Technology Center, located at 2755 E. Napier Ave. in Benton Harbor.
Guests will learn about the area’s latest apprenticeship successes and opportunities, and hear the results of a three-year initiative to improve statewide manufacturing training programs.
National Apprenticeship Week was established in 2014 with a goal to double the amount of apprenticeships within five years. It is part of an overall effort to make a dent in the skills gap faced by U.S. employers who are trying to fill a near record number of 5.4 million unfilled job openings. Apprenticeships use an “earn and learn” training model that combines paid on the job experience coupled with a substantial educational component.
“Apprenticeships are a win-win for everyone, and they are making a comeback. Students are catching on to the vast career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and local companies benefit by diversifying their workforce, improving productivity and profitability, reducing turnover and receiving tax credits,” said Ken Flowers, LMC’s Dean of Career and Workforce Education.
During the event, an Impact Report prepared by the Michigan Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing will reveal the outcome of a $24.9 million U.S. Department of Labor grant awarded in 2013 to a group of eight Michigan community colleges, including Lake Michigan College.
The report will highlight the strides LMC has made since then to modernize program design and delivery, update equipment and technology; enhance job placement and career development services; improve statewide policies and strengthen partnerships with regional industry leaders.
“We’re proud to partner with LMC in educating young men and women in the skilled trades [and] manufacturing programs,” said Mike Levi of Eagle Technologies. “We hire some of the best young talent in the area and LMC does an excellent job of co-training our apprentices.”
Guests should RSVP at lakemichigancollege.edu/NAW, or contact Lynette Wolf at lwolf@lakemichigancollege.edu or 269-926-4297.
Lake Michigan College offers more than a dozen technology programs including workforce certificates, associate and transfer degrees and a baccalaureate degree. Learn more at lakemichigancollege.edu/technology.