Recently the Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM Superstore announced a registered apprenticeship program by partnering with Monroe County Community College. Through this new and innovative Automotive Tech Specialist Program, Monroe Dodge will not only employ the apprentice, but also will pay for tuition, fees and supplies needed for the student’s classes, taken at MCCC.
This two-year apprenticeship program includes 360 contact hours for classroom training and awards 17 college credit hours. The Automotive Tech Specialist Program includes the following MCCC related technical instruction (RTI) courses:
· MATH 119-Tech Math I
· AST 101-Introduction to Automotive Service
· AST 102-Electrical Systems I
· AST 120-Brake Systems
· AST 125-Steering and Suspension
After completing the apprenticeship program, Monroe Dodge will help the employee earn any credential they are eligible for at the dealership.
All apprenticeship programs start with employment. Finding an employer who has an apprenticeship program and applying for an entry level job is a good way to start. Taking related courses at MCCC will enhance skills and help students stand out to employers through the hiring process.
Registered apprenticeships are innovative work-based “earn and learn” models that meet national standards for registration with the U.S Department of Labor. “MCCC partners with sponsoring companies to provide the classroom training portion of the apprenticeship program,” said Kristina Henry, experiential learning coordinator at MCCC. While participating in an apprenticeship program, apprentices are paid as an employee during training, following a progressive wage scale for skill gains, earn college credits that can be counted toward a degree or certificate, earn a nationally recognized credential and work toward a career with journey worker status.
According to Monroe Dodge, they have always sponsored training programs through the dealership, but they wanted to develop a registered apprenticeship in order to be eligible for grant funding. Grant funding through state and federal programs help employers increase apprenticeship training programs for their employees. Monroe Dodge partnered with Workforce Intelligence Network, Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, Michigan Works! Monroe and MCCC to establish this Auto Service Technician apprenticeship program.
“Any workplace or company can establish an apprenticeship program,” added Henry. “The employer has to be willing to sponsor the apprentice through classroom and on-the-job training, follow the standards and wage progression scale they set with the Department of Labor, and provide a qualified mentor or journey person for the apprentice.” Registered apprenticeships range from 1-6 years and must include 144 hours of classroom training and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year.
For more information about apprenticeships at MCCC, visit www.monroeccc.edu/programs/apprenticeships or contact Kristina Henry at 734-384-4270 or email khenry@monroeccc.edu.
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college’s mission is to enrich and transform lives by providing opportunities and excellence in higher education. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located at 7777 Lewis Ave.,Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at monroeccc.edu.