Apprenticeship Ambassador initiative expands opportunities for students

Alice McGuire 

Deputy Editor 

This past October, WCC was invited to the White House for a ceremony meant to recognize current Apprenticeship Ambassadors. 

“The Apprenticeship Ambassador program was something that the United States Department of Labor initiated to help expand apprenticeship in both new occupations as well as to different types of people,” said Kyrsten Rue, assistant dean of career and technical education, who accepted the Apprenticeship Ambassador “Exceptional Achievement Award” on behalf of the college. 

The award was given to colleges which met or exceeded the goals that were created when they applied to take part in the government initiative, an objective which Rue played a prominent role in achieving, though she was quick to point out that “it was by no means a single person that was doing all the work we have.” 

An apprenticeship gives students the opportunity to gain skills working on the job at the same time as they’re learning in the classroom, all while working under a mentor. 

So far, the college’s collaboration with Toyota of Ann Arbor and Subaru of Ann Arbor as well as the Ann Arbor YMCA has produced two approved occupations through WCC’s group sponsorship (intermediary) program: auto service technician and master fitness trainer. 

“This is a really great program for people that want to have a career in the automotive industry,” said Emily Herring, recruiter for WE Auto. “If you have an aspiration to be an automotive technician, we want to help you get there.” Herring went on to explain that the position is paid and that the goal is for apprentices to leave the program with at least two state certifications as part of the pathway to becoming a “master certified tech.” 

Jen Baca, senior director of healthy living at the Ann Arbor YMCA, which just took on its first apprentice through the initiative, said, “I think that, whether a business is looking at partnering for an apprenticeship or a student is looking, it’s a win-win either way. It’s really great to get that hands-on experience–get paid while you’re getting that hands-on experience–and then get the knowledge behind it and be able to combine it together.” 

Baca went on to add, “I feel like it puts you a step above some of the other candidates because you’re already in the organization. People know you, they see the work you’re doing, and they’re gonna want to keep you around ‘cause we’re investing all this time into helping you and teaching you that we want to be able to continue that growth.” 

Students interested in such opportunities should reach out to the Office of Apprenticeship, whether through the interest form here, by calling 734-677-5221, or by emailing apprenticeship@wccnet.edu. 

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