HARRISON—Recent events, from the COVID-19 pandemic to flooding throughout central Michigan, have highlighted how essential skilled trades professionals are to the economic well-being and rebuilding of our communities.
Mid Michigan College offers several programs, including Advanced Integrated Manufacturing; Computer Aided Drafting & Design; Facilities, Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning; Welding; and Automotive & Diesel Service, which feature an associate degree pathway that can be completed in just 10 months.
Mid has a well-respected Automotive & Diesel Service Program available at the Harrison campus. For more than 15 years, the Program has held Master Accreditation from the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation, and courses now take place at the Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District’s Wilhelm Joseph Magnus Building for Skilled Trades, located a short distance from Mid’s Harrison Campus. A virtual tour of the new automotive lab is available at midmich.edu/tour.
“By partnering with the Clare-Gladwin RESD, the College is able to offer current technologies and prepare students to be excellent employees,” said Shawn Troy, Dean of Workforce and Career Education. “This partnership also illustrates Mid’s commitment to using resources responsibly as we collaborate with others to serve our local communities.”
In response to the needs of students and employers, Mid is continuing to expand the number of industry-related certifications available to students. These certifications are developed by NC3, the National Coalition of Certification Centers, and industry-leading organizations including Snap-on, Trane, Microsoft, and others.
“These third-party, industry-recognized certifications differentiate Mid students as they apply for new jobs or look to advance in their current roles,” Troy said. “These certifications help our students demonstrate the skills they have mastered to employers throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond.”
Mid’s Skilled Trades Programs offer flexible learning opportunities through remote coursework and open lab schedules, making learning at Mid ideal for any student—from recent high school graduates to working adults.
- Advanced Integrated Manufacturing New updated 8-week fast track courses covering topics like safety, electricity, blueprint reading, precision measurement, machining, and more.
- Automotive & Diesel Service New enhanced lite diesel service technologies training and 100% internship placement rate prepare students for real-world work.
- Computer Aided Drafting & Design Flexible course scheduling and open labs mean this program fits student’s busy schedules and with 3D prototyping technology, students are ready to enter a meaningful career.
- Facilities, Heating, Refrigeration, & Air Conditioning New fast track programming allows students to complete two training credentials and an associate degree in five semesters. Plus, with a 100 percent internship placement rate and industry recognized certifications, students are well-prepared to enter the workforce.
- Welding Earn our training credential and Sense Level I certification in one year. Plus, Mid’s welding graduates can count on a 100 percent job placement rate upon graduation.
“All of us at Mid understand that these are challenging times to learn a skilled trade in a hands-on environment, but we’re confident in our plan to return to campus this fall,” Troy said. “We have a strong plan in place that includes regularly cleaning labs, requiring face coverings, and providing more flexible scheduling options to allow for social distancing.”
For more information about Mid’s Skilled Trades programs, visit midmich.edu/skilled-trades or contact Troy at stroy@midmich.edu or (989) 386-6658.
Registration for the fall semester is available now and fall semester courses begin August 31. Prospective students can apply online at midmich.edu/applying or contact Admissions at admissions@midmich.edu or (989) 386-6661.
For more information about Mid’s response to COVID-19, visit midmich.edu/covid19.
Mid Michigan College, with campuses in Harrison and Mt. Pleasant, has been serving its community since 1965.