The initiative is an effort of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), and the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA).
St Clair County Community College is showing support for an initiative spearheaded by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), and the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) that recognizes apprenticeship experience as college credit. Credit earned via apprenticeship in the skilled trades can be applied toward an associate degree or technical certificate in an effort to increase the number of adults in the state who have a college degree.
According to an article on St Clair County Community College’s website, Sarah Rutallie, the college’s Chief of Staff, was quoted as saying of the initiative, “This initiative is a powerful recognition of the skills and expertise individuals develop through apprenticeships. At SC4, we believe learning happens in many settings, and when we connect hands-on experience with academic credit, we create stronger pathways to opportunity, advancement, and lifelong success for our students and our community.”
The initiative seeks to help individuals who have participated in registered apprenticeships in skilled trades to earn college credit for their efforts. The initiative will provide a direct connection between hands-on skilled trades labor to academic credentials, opening doors to college degrees at a lower cost. This will open doors to career advancement and academic achievement to a wider portion of the state’s population.
In recognizing the importance of real-world experiences as applicable to a college education, St Clair County Community College is undergoing an effort to form and strengthen community partnerships between community colleges, labor organizations, and industry employers to ensure the needs of the state’s workforce are being met.
The college plans to integrate apprenticeship pathways into academic programs and explore opportunities for stackable credentials for individuals who are seeking to become employed in high-demand fields.
For more information about St Clair County Community College, visit the school’s website.