Schoolcraft College Joins 24 Community Colleges in Masonry Trades Agreement
Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeship Program (MI-CCAP) Officially Signed
Schoolcraft College becomes First Adopter
A groundbreaking public/private collaboration with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, the Michigan Community College Association and Michigan’s Labor and Economic Development Office (LEO) are pioneering a new workforce development model. The initiative integrates apprenticeship training and a learner’s experience into credit toward an associate degree at 24 Michigan community colleges.
The pioneering initiative awards college credit to participants who complete the building trades Registered Apprenticeship Programs. In the model, apprentices enrolled in the program will have access to tutoring, advising and student wellness services while learning in a hands-on environment connecting classroom learning with real-world application. Livonia-based Schoolcraft College is the first institution to adopt this new collaboration.
“We believe the MI-CCAP agreement is one of the first in the country to facilitate a transfer agreement to union workers. I thank Schoolcraft College President Dr. Glenn Cerny for leading the way to early adoption of this program,” said Susan Corbin, the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development. “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.”
A dual enrollment opportunity also exists for high school students to enroll in the program and graduate from high school with their diploma, complete an apprenticeship and earn credits toward a college degree.
“This partnership is one more tool for us to recruit and train union workers and leaders,” said Brett Gierak, president of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2 of Michigan. “The program is an opportunity for our workers to continue their education without having to start over.”
“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 MCCA President Brandy Johnson
This model is especially important as the Bricklayers Union and Schoolcraft College implement a new partnership funded in part by Congressionally Directed Spending, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and LEO.
“This agreement is meeting learners where they are and moving them forward statewide,” Cerny said. “Hands-on training while earning credit for this experience is vital to their successes. We look forward to welcoming these workers to Schoolcraft College as they continue their education and grow their skills.”
The Schoolcraft College Foundation played a significant part in supporting and securing funding for this partnership which will provide additional opportunities for Michigan residents to secure living wage-paying jobs, while providing an educational pathway to future careers if they choose to pursue them.
About the Schoolcraft College Foundation
Founded in 1966, the Schoolcraft College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the mission of Schoolcraft College by fostering meaningful partnerships with donors, alumni, businesses, governmental entities, and private foundations. The Foundation works as ambassadors of the College to secure new financial resources, enhance community partnerships, and strengthen lifelong connections.
About Schoolcraft College
Schoolcraft College is a public community college, offering traditional classes as well as distance learning opportunities at www.schoolcraft.edu. The college enrolls more than 30,000 students each year in both credit programs and Personal and Professional Learning courses. The college has over 130 programs leading to a skills certificate, certificate, associate degree, or post-associate certificate, plus a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management. Students can take advantage of other bachelor’s programs offered by several university partners onsite or transfer credits to other four-year institutions, saving time and money in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Learn more at www.schoolcraft.edu.