Kirtland Community College designated apprenticeship intermediary with the U.S. Department of Labor

Kirtland Community College has been designated by the Department of Labor as an apprenticeship intermediary. The designation means that KCC is an organization with the resources necessary to coordinate customized apprenticeship programs to fill highly skilled positions at local companies. Apprenticeship programs registered by the Department of Labor pair on-the-job training with coursework in pursuit of a degree or certification. At KCC, apprenticeship programs are available in the fields of healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and construction trades, among others. 

Kirtland Community College announced the designation from the department of labor in a recent news release, where administrators spoke about the benefits students and employers can expect from the new apprenticeship programs. Students can often enter the programs at no cost, with employers footing the bill for the educational aspects of the apprenticeships. Additionally, through the Michigan Reconnect program, students over the age of 25 may qualify for free tuition through the state. Employers can work with KCC to develop customized programs that prepare apprentices for the specific needs of the company. As Kathleen Fox, Director of Workforce Development at Kirtland Community College, explained, "Our method of apprenticeship training is customized to the business, and Kirtland is uniquely equipped to serve businesses that do not have the capacity or desire to manage an apprenticeship program or to work directly with the Department of Labor."

Fox also points out how the apprenticeship programs help improve the local economy by incentivizing students to stay in the area, "I am delighted to manage the apprenticeship intermediary program because it means more people working in jobs that pay well and allow them to work locally. Keeping the talent here in northern Michigan will keep our communities strong and vibrant."

Dr. Tom Quinn, President of Kirtland Community College, also emphasized the benefits of the apprenticeship programs coordinated by the college, "Local employers can collaborate with Kirtland to structure apprenticeship training to their unique processes, resulting in a custom-fitted workforce and improving employee retention among new hires and established employees training while working. Companies that have been struggling to find highly-trained employees with the right skill can now utilize Kirtland's apprenticeship model of training and grow the talent they need to in turn grow their business."