Success Story: Registered apprenticeships expand regionally
November 20, 2024
Mike Morefield, a maintenance apprentice at LearUpdated for the modern economy, apprenticeships are flourishing at NMC in traditional as well as new fields, helping create a workforce equipped for the 21st century.
“There are so many wins,” said Zoe Lilly, manager at Lear Corp. in Traverse City, which has had 16 apprenticeships with NMC, for tool and die and maintenance positions. From her employer perspective, the chief win is a reliable pipeline of staff in an era when it’s difficult to hire externally.
“It’s easier to train from within. The partnership with NMC has been great,” Lilly said.
Apprenticeships, which are being recognized this week as National Apprenticeship Week, have spread beyond traditional trade and manufacturing fields, too.
“There’s a national shortage in surgical technologists. We were struggling with getting applicants, period,” said Amy Verburg, director of surgical services at Munson Medical Center. That has started to shift since the hospital started a surgical technologist apprenticeship with NMC in 2023.
“It looks like it’s gaining momentum,” Verburg said.
From the student/ employee perspective, it’s a way to cover their educational costs — flipping the historical script. Apprenticeships originated in the Middle Ages as unpaid labor exchanged for the opportunity to learn from a skilled trades or craftsman.
“As soon as an opening came up, I went for it,” said Mike Morefield, who started as an assembly worker at Lear in 2020, entered the manufacturing apprenticeship program in 2021 and earned his certificate in 2023. Lear paid for his tuition, books, and basic tools. Other companies reimburse for tuition.
As an apprentice Morefield started at 74% of the journey worker wage of $33 per hour. Within four years he reached the full journey worker wage.
“All of the teachers were very supportive,” said Morefield, 36, who had last been in a classroom in 2006.
Surgical Technology student Danielle Ellis, 30, is enthusiastic about her career path, which includes an apprenticeship at Munson.
“I’m getting paid to learn,” said Ellis. Her tuition is paid through Michigan Reconnect. She has the added incentive of a $10,000 signing bonus after she completes her one-year program.
“I’m already guaranteed a job,” she said. “I totally think I made the right move.”
Surgical Technology coordinator Breana Goodell said the attraction of the apprenticeship has boosted enrollment, too.
“This is really helping get more students to come in. Our numbers have gone up significantly,” she said.
At Northwestern Michigan College, we’re proud to be a partner in building a stronger, more vibrant community. In a new publication arriving in Grand Traverse County mailboxes next week – our inaugural Community Report – we demonstrate how NMC is improving lives right here, from offering high-quality education and workforce training to supporting local innovation and leadership.