Our series on apprenticeships for Economic Development Week highlights the correlation between business, education, jobs, and the economy. All of these contribute to a healthy economy, which we are dedicated to strengthening through the attraction and retention of local businesses, enriching our local workforce, and promoting the area’s amenities. This week, we are focusing on apprenticeships to highlight an amazing career opportunity at companies that are right here in Lenawee County.
Earn While You Learn
The American dream has taken on several forms through the decades. Today, there is an opportunity for people of any age to build a career in a very different manner than their parents, who grew up in a generation where college was portrayed as the main option for a successful career.
“I think the American Dream has been built for many years on the false premise that everyone has to go to college. That has contributed to a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople and high student loan debt in our nation,” said Mike Ayre Human Resources Director for Wacker Chemical Corporation in Adrian, Michigan. “What most people don’t understand is that today, even if you get into skilled trades, college is still available through tuition reimbursement programs with some companies. Imagine getting an associate or bachelor’s degree while you are earning a great salary. It’s an awesome opportunity.”
Wacker developed its industrial maintenance mechanic apprenticeship program in partnership with the Center for Science and Industry (CSI). “CSI was able to customize an apprenticeship training program that met our company’s specific needs. They are training our employees on our specific set of skills and requirements,” said Ayre.
“The apprenticeship program was a great opportunity for me to advance in the company and in my career,” said Derrick Luce, Maintenance and Instrumentation Mechanic for Wacker. “I love working with my hands and getting do something different every day.”
An industrial maintenance mechanic spends the day keeping the facility running smoothly, troubleshooting equipment and problem-solving, applying the skills they learned through the four-year apprenticeship program.
Wacker’s program consists of on-the-job training, classroom instruction at CSI, and 8,000 hours of job assignments that cover 15 different types of skill sets. Once the program is completed, graduates become a Class A Mechanic and receive their journeyman’s card.
“Whether it’s the curriculum or even the timing, it’s crucial that we can be agile and flexible in our approach to building apprenticeship programs,” explained Dan Rogers, Director for CSI. “It’s really a partnership between the company and our organization to develop an effective program.”
In this case, Wacker supplies equipment and parts that allow apprentices to work on applying what they learn in the classroom in real-world situations they will encounter. This allows apprentices to practice on equipment that is relevant to a day on the job.
There are major advantages to choosing an apprenticeship program over the traditional four-year college path. First, apprentices work full time and receive benefits while they are earning their education. That means no high student loan payments and upon completion, they have training that moves with them no matter where they work. For those who may become interested in earning an associate or bachelor’s degree, many companies also offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit to their employees.
“When I talk with high school students, I encourage them to look for a company that invests in their people as Wacker does,” said Rogers. “It’s critical to work for someone that wants to invest in you, whether it’s apprenticeships, tuition reimbursement, or other skill development.”
When considering a career path, it’s important to consider what’s really a good match for personality, aptitude, and skill set. For those that are mechanically inclined, like to work with their hands, or want to earn a higher degree without high student debt, a skilled trade like an industrial maintenance mechanic may be an ideal career.
“It’s really about what’s right for each person. Going into the skilled trades, whether it’s in industrial maintenance, construction, electrical, or some other path, can help many people build a successful career and life,” said Rogers.
Larger employers like Wacker, GM, and Chrysler provide select apprenticeship opportunities to current employees. Other apprentices begin their careers as laborers out of the union hall that sponsors apprenticeships or finds apprenticeships on job listing websites such as INDEED.com. Other good websites include MIRoad2work.org and Apprenticeship.gov.