Along with community partners, Grand Rapids Community College has created a model for new registered apprentice programs, with a successful landscaping apprenticeship pilot having been completed through the Lyon Square renovation project.
Grand Rapids Community College has launched a new model for apprenticeship programs alongside several community partners, including Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), West Michigan Works!, Rockwell Earthworks, and the Grand River Workforce Collaborative. The apprenticeship program recently completed its pilot phase with a landscaping apprenticeship through the Lyon Square renovation project. The new apprenticeship program model is among the first of its kind.
According to an article on Grand Rapids Community College’s website, Haley Kozal, who serves as the college’s apprenticeship program manager, was quoted as saying of the uniqueness of the new apprenticeship program model, “No one else in the country is doing this. Every partner brings expertise to the table — city planning, small business, workforce development, education. We created something sustainable that works for employers, employees and the entire community. Our apprentices don’t have to drop everything to go to school full-time. They’re earning while learning — and growing with a company.”
The pilot for the model with the landscaping apprenticeship program gave students interested in landscaping the opportunity to work on the downtown Grand Rapids Lyon Square renovation project alongside local landscaping company Rockwell Earthworks. Rockwell Earthworks was able to employ student apprentices with paid, hands-on work during the Lyon Square renovation, while students also had classroom instruction at Grand Rapids Community College to complement the hands-on work.
A representative for Rockwell Construction, which served as the general contractor for the Lyon Square renovation, noted, “We started this business in 2020 and wanted to grow. By apprenticing people who want to learn, we can vet their skill set and see if there is long-term employment fit. GRCC handles the classroom portion of the apprenticeship, and then each student works on projects as part of our team. This approach has allowed us to win bigger contracts, such as the landscaping work on the Lyon Square renovation, because we have trained staff to do the work.”
By participating in this project for two years, students were able to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for them to earn a nationally recognized journeyman’s credential, all for free, while also getting paid for apprenticing.
The college and its partners have turned the successful pilot into a scalable model that will give other employers in other industries the ability to set up similar apprenticeship opportunities for Grand Rapids Community College students. The college will provide classroom instruction and will serve as the compliance partner, also providing funding via apprenticeship grants and other sources.
James Peacock III, who is the economic opportunity program manager at DGRI, noted, “This pilot proves that it works. We’re already talking about adapting this for river restoration, water infrastructure and other skilled trades.”
Juan Rosario, the talent solutions manager for West Michigan Works!, added, “This project shows how intentional collaboration creates real opportunity. We’re helping people earn a credential that opens doors across the country. That’s good for them, good for business and good for West Michigan.”
For more information about Grand Rapids Community College, visit the school’s website.