Workforce Development

DO YOU HAVE PLANS FOR YOUR FUTURE?

What are you doing after your graduate from high school?

If you are thinking of going to college, why not think about the other four-year degree – apprenticeship? When you complete an apprenticeship program and become a journeyman, your classes transfer as college credit toward an Associates degree at many community colleges.

What is apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is the ‘earn while you learn career’ that will lead to a good living wage with health and retirement benefits. An apprentice is an employee who learns a skilled trade in a planned, supervised job environment -- about 80% on-the job and about 20% classroom training. An apprentice is a regular part of the workforce team and earns wages while being trained and acquiring skills. The best part of apprenticeship is that your training is free!

The length of apprenticeships varies among the construction trades – usually 2-5 years. Upon graduation from apprenticeship, you can begin your career as a journeyman and work anywhere in the United States. Construction jobs will not be shipped overseas.

How can I learn more about apprenticeship?

There are several ways to learn about apprenticeship.

First, your high school offers a class called CRAFT I. The CRAFT I class will take you to training centers so you can learn more about construction trade apprenticeships: Bricklaying, Carpentry, Electrical, Laborers, Plumbers and more. Additionally, the CRAFT I class will assist you in preparing for your first job and help you learn about what employers want from their employees.

Second, you can learn more about the various construction trades, where training takes place, the scope of the trade and who to contact by going to this website: www.miconstructioncareers.org.

Third, you can call Mr Dave Jackson at the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship at 517/377-1746 to find out the specifics about apprenticeship training.

What is CRAFT I?

Students who enroll in the CRAFT I class will go on field trips to construction training schools in the Lansing area. They will get hands-on experience with construction tools. You will be involved in problem solving and learn applied mathematics. CRAFT I students will learn about construction safety and attend a MIOSHA 10 course (Michigan Occupation Safety & Health Administration) and receive certification upon completion.

Additionally, the CRAFT I class will help you prepare for your first job by helping you design a resume and develop interviewing skills. You will also discover the kinds of employability skills that make a good employee: punctuality, good attendance, work ethics, responsibility, good working skills and more.

What are CRAFT I Requirements?

Students who wish to enroll in the CRAFT I class must be a Sophomore, Junior or Senior. They must have a 2.0 GPA and have good mathematics skills. Students must have good attendance, punctuality and work ethics. Counselor approval is required.

How can I enroll in the CRAFT I class?

Contact these teachers to register for CRAFT I:
Eastern High School, Mrs Reemsnyder, Room 108,  (517) 755-4181
Everett High School: Mr Clugston, Room 211, (517) 755-4456
Sexton High School, Mr Carpenter, Room 303, (517) 755-4617.

What happens after the CRAFT I class?

There is a CRAFT II class that allows students to continue to advance to more specific training in the construction trades with in-depth, hands-on training. Students who successfully complete the CRAFT I class have the opportunity to be selected for the CRAFT II class after an oral interview.

Students in the CRAFT II class may also have to opportunity to take part in School-to-Registered Apprenticeship (STRA), approved by the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship. When local contractors have job openings, CRAFT II students may interview for an STRA position. STRA students receive actual, on-the-job experience and training as well as earn a paycheck. Many STRA students may qualify for apprenticeships upon graduation from high school.