MASCI, MUST, and Michigan Building Trades hold Open House to give hands-on opportunity to educators
Program showcased Registered Apprenticeships, State-of-the-Art Equipment and Technology
HOWELL, Mich.— The Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee, Inc. (MASCI), Management and Unions Serving Together (MUST), and the Michigan Building Trades hosted an Educators Open House on Monday to celebrate the kickoff of the 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week. The event was held at the new indoor arena addition at the Operating Engineers 324 Construction Career Center, an eight-story, 100,000-square-foot, all-seasons facility. It welcomed educators from across Michigan to help spread the word about career opportunities in construction and the skilled trades.
The event featured speakers from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and the Michigan Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education, followed by opportunities for educators to try hands-on experiences in various trade skills.
The program was part of the MUST National Apprenticeship Week Road Show, a series of events celebrating Registered Apprenticeships.
Speakers included a welcome from Operating Engineers 324 Training Director Heath Salisbury, and comments from Tiffanie Clawson, Michigan state director of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship; Pat Devlin, secretary-treasurer of the Michigan Building & Construction Trades Council; Celena Mills, director of the Michigan Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education; and Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Presentations from skilled trades participants emphasized the importance of Registered Apprenticeships, the critical role apprentices play in partnerships between businesses and skilled trades unions, and trends in apprenticeships and future opportunities. Educators also learned about the application process and how schools can connect students with training programs.
Breakout sessions offered educators opportunities to speak with instructors and apprentices from a variety of trades, as well as representatives from MASCI, MISTEM, and others. Participants could then try tasks such as crane hoisting, concrete breaking, excavator operation, diesel technician repairs, carpentry and floor installation, bricklaying and masonry, pipe sweating and threading, stationary engineering, and roofing.
“I learned a lot of valuable information about apprenticeships and just how in demand they are, and how many opportunities there really are out there between all of the schools and unions and individuals that came today, obviously showing that there is a lot of interest,” said Heather McKenzie, business relationship coordinator for Michigan Works in Waterford. “I’m happy to be able to bring back actual good first-hand information of what an apprenticeship can look like and what it can result in for individuals who seek one.”
“It’s just been really positive. I think it’s going to give me a lot of good information to go back and share with students, which is my ultimate goal—to impart this information back to them,” said Brendan Samborn, construction trades teacher at Howell High School.
The open house was part of National Apprenticeship Week, held Nov. 17–23.
“The state Apprenticeship Expansion section is a phenomenal growing team of people,” said Scott Jedele, state apprenticeship expansion manager for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “But the real work of expansion in Michigan is done by our partners. Our partners that do the work every day, in the training centers—our organized labor partners, our intermediaries, our employer sponsors, educators, and communities—grow the use of the model, and that’s most exciting.”
In addition to OE324, participants and co-hosts included the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, Michigan Laborers Training & Apprenticeship Institute, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, UA Plumbers Local 98, Roofers and Waterproofers Union Local 70, the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, and Management and Unions Serving Together—a collaboration between private construction companies and organized labor.
“The most interesting thing this opportunity provides is filling the gap for schools, businesses, and unions. There are a lot of businesses out there that are willing to help, and unions that are willing to help, and schools that need that help,” said Ken Meerschaert, MASCI trustee and regional operations director for Michigan CAT. “Events like this help connect those opportunities between the companies and unions that are offering the help to schools who are accepting of it, to keep us all pulling in the same direction.
“MASCI is excited to raise awareness and help educators learn everything they can about the great opportunities for registered apprenticeships in good-paying construction and advanced manufacturing jobs,” said Lee Graham, Chairman of the Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee (MASCI). “All of us in Michigan know we have roads and bridges to build and repair, power plants and clean energy installations to construct, high-tech factories coming online, and schools across Michigan to build. This is a great opportunity to empower educators to more effectively introduce students to these careers, show the value of these Registered Apprenticeships, and encourage others to explore educational and career opportunities in a fast-growing, in-demand sector of our economy.”
“Events like this open house, and the MASCI conference in December, work to bring together advocates for Registered Apprenticeship and offer even more opportunities to the next generation.”
“I am the applied tech pathway director and counselor, so going to something like this is how I’m going to be able to give information to my students who are coming into my pathway,” said Jenny Spoerl, counselor at Anchor Bay High School. “Today was super informative. I was surprised by how much money they’re making right out of the gate, and without having to pay for school. And the hands-on aspect was the cherry on top!”