Detroit Career Readiness Program Graduates First High School Class

Detroit High Schoolers Are on Track for Good-Paying Careers after Completing 16-Week Apprenticeship Program

DETROIT –– The first class of Detroit high schoolers have graduated from the Workforce of the Future & Career Readiness Coalition program. A graduation ceremony and dinner was held tonight for Detroit High School juniors and seniors who completed a rigorous, 16-week apprenticeship readiness youth pilot program. The program is the result of a partnership between several organizations including Cadillac Asphalt, Operating Engineers 324, MITA and LiUNA Laborers Local 1191, among others.

“This coalition of private employers and unions provides real experiences and opportunities, and is a testament to American ingenuity that should be replicated throughout Michigan and nationally. All of the graduates should be commended and congratulated,” said Nicole Stallworth, Executive Director of the Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan

This apprenticeship program introduces students to a variety of new skills and tools needed for careers in the Detroit area’s growing job market for building trades. These careers have excellent pay and benefits, and this apprenticeship programs is available at no cost to the participant.

“Connecting students to the kinds of hands-on, experiential learning that will give them a leg up when moving to the Apprenticeship level is priceless. We’re excited to provide these future skilled tradespeople that opportunity, and look forward to watching them succeed,” said Douglas Needham, DWFCR Committee Organizer and President, Michigan Aggregates Association.

Prospective employers, as well as trade representatives were on hand at the ceremony held at Operating Engineers 324’s Stationary Career Center in Detroit to congratulate the graduates and discuss their future in the trades. The program is an extension of the Construction Science Expo, held every year in Detroit, to introduce Detroit students to the skilled trades. All of the graduates in this class are juniors and seniors at Cody High School in Detroit. An announcement of a second class is expected shortly.

“The work we are doing is investing in the future,” said Carla Phelps, Senior Program Analyst for the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. “In order to grow we need to invest in the young people of our city, and this program does exactly that. Every tool we can give them to succeed benefits not only them, but us.”