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Train free today for a great job tomorrow!

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By Patrick Rouse

Workforce and Continuing Education, Engineering and Advanced Technology, director

Industrial technology maintenance and robotics technicians possess the most in-demand skills in manufacturing today, and I am pleased to announce a free training program that will put you on a fast track to join them.

Called Operation Next, it is offered through LIFT, a public/private partnership between the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, the Department of Defense and academia. Train at your own pace, with classes offered both virtually and in a hands-on environment. Previously a retraining program for exiting military personnel, its scope has been widened to retrain civilians employed by small to medium-sized manufacturers whose livelihoods have been impacted by the pandemic.

Funds for the program are provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, supplemented by a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Manufacturing Engineering Education Program.

The free training is also available to members of the Michigan National Guard and Reserve, providing them with an opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials for their next careers.

Macomb will serve as training provider for certificates in Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM) and Robotics Technician. Additional training in welding and CNC machining is offered at the LIFT Learning Lab in Detroit.

How in-demand are ITM and robotics technicians? The manufacturing industry projects that nearly 40,000 combined job openings will be available annually over the next eight years. And, the credentials earned through Operation Next allows these technicians to work anywhere in the country.

I hope you take advantage of this excellent opportunity by filling out the registration form today. Please don’t delay, space is limited.

And if you have any questions, contact me at 586.498.4108 or rousep933@macomb.edu.

Reconnecting to a brighter future

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By Aimee Adamski, director, Admissions and Outreach

Many people need a fresh start at some point, but it’s not every day the opportunity comes along. That’s why I’m excited to tell you about the state’s Michigan Reconnect scholarship program! Launched in February as part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s ambitious “Sixty by 30” plan, Reconnect hopes to grow the number of adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60 percent by the start of the next decade.

How Reconnect sets out to do this is by providing financial assistance toward in-district tuition, as well as some additional mandatory costs at Macomb. This includes registration, student services and technology, and facilities fees. Important to note is that Reconnect is a last-dollar program, meaning that Pell Grant funds are first applied to tuition and mandatory expenses.

If this sounds like it might apply to you, here are a few things to note.

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 25 years old at the time of application
  • Have lived in Michigan for one or more years
  • Have earned a high school diploma or GED
  • Have not yet completed an associate or bachelor’s degree

Want more information? Register for one of our upcoming info sessions at www.macomb.edu/AdmissionsEvents, visit www.macomb.edu/reconnect or contact us at reconnect@macomb.edu. We look forward to helping you meet your goals!

Free program prepares you for a skilled-trade apprenticeship

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By Stacey Ahearn
MAP+ Program Coordinator

Apprenticeships have been a long-standing method for teaching a trade and creating a career path as a skilled worker. Apprentices earn while they learn through full-time employment and classroom instruction.

The skills acquired during an apprenticeship are in high demand and highly valued by employers. But qualified candidates for apprenticeships are scarce. That is why we developed a pre-apprenticeship training program unique to Macomb and free to those selected to participate.

It’s called the Michigan Apprenticeship Program Plus (MAP+) Industrial Readiness Program and it will prepare you to enter an apprenticeship or similar work-based training program.

The training consists of four classes in shop arithmetic, industrial safety, machine tool blueprint reading and trade-related preparation. Upon successful completion, you will receive an Industrial Readiness Certificate, showing employers that you have the skills necessary to successfully complete a skilled-trade apprenticeship.

A virtual information session about the program will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, March 30, from 7 to 8 pm. Register now to learn more about the MAP+ Industrial Readiness Program.

It’s truly a great opportunity that I don’t want you to miss!

Save classes and time with Multiple-Semester Registration

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By Carrie Jeffers, Registrar

I’m excited to tell you about Multiple-Semester Registration!  It will become available to you in March and is a great opportunity to secure all your classes for Spring/Summer 2021, Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 semesters at one time. I hope you will take advantage of it!

This means you won’t have to rush to register each semester or worry about getting the classes you need. By registering in advance, you will have the confidence of knowing that your classes have been reserved for you, and you can focus on your education.

If you choose to use Multiple-Semester Registration, the same tuition payment deadlines apply for each individual semester as they have in the past, and tuition payment plans continue to be available as well. Think of it as a plan now, pay later approach to registration.

The Student FAQs can answer most of the questions you may have about Multiple-Semester Registration. If not, please email answer@macomb.edu and, depending on your question, a representative from Counseling and Academic Advising, Financial Aid, or Records and Registration will get back to you.

Multiple-Semester Registration has been designed to provide you with a useful and time-saving tool for securing your class schedule each academic year.

Please give it a try and let us know what you think!

Jump start your advanced manufacturing or skilled trades career!

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By Stacey Ahearn, MAP+ program coordinator

Did you know that there are great-paying careers in advanced manufacturing and in skilled trades? Careers that don’t require a traditional four-year degree or mounds of student debt?

Many recent high school graduates are surprised to learn this. And I’m excited to share with them that the demand for skilled workers continues to grow. And we can help people get started on this great opportunity with our Michigan Apprenticeship Program Plus (MAP+) Industrial Readiness Certificate program! Graduates with a skill-specific certificate through an apprenticeship or similar opportunity have found great success. The program put them on a path to gain employment with little to no student debt.

The MAP+ Industrial Readiness Certificate program provides students with the foundational skills in four classes totaling nine credit hours, coupled with student success seminars in one semester.

Successful students will earn the Industrial Readiness Certificate and have the opportunity to network with hiring employers.

Seats are available for the 2021 Winter and the 2021 Summer Semester(s). Tuition is supported by the MAP+ grant, so there is no cost for participating individuals.

Ready to get started? I’m ready to help! Contact me at ahearns@macomb.edu or 586.445.7432.

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
Macomb Community College and MAP+ is an equal opportunity employer/program provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY users please call 1.877.878.8464 or visit www.michigan.gov/mdcr.

Pursue your dream with Madonna University at the UC!

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By Katie Krafft, Macomb alumna and Madonna University student

At the age of 24, I realized that the cosmetology field was not going to provide me with the kind of career I wanted. Earning an associate degree from Macomb Community College’s Legal Assistant program in the spring of 2019 let me quit my three jobs I was working to pay for my degree and work full time as a litigation paralegal. However, I made yet another life decision and decided that I wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree. But how could I do this without moving away to a university?

The Macomb University Center (UC) made this possible. The process was simple, and within two months I was a student in Madonna’s Paralegal program. I was able to schedule most of my classes online and all in-person classes were held right at the UC. No need for me to move!

At the age of 29, I will be graduating from Madonna this spring. I am now applying to law school. I enjoyed being a paralegal, but I wanted to be the one arguing cases in court and that requires me to be an attorney.

It is never too late to make a career change and pursue your dream!

Learn more about Madonna University at the Macomb University Center

Top tips to prepare for virtual exams

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By Louisa Marine, Director, Institutional Technology and Virtual Learning

It’s that time in the semester: Finals are nearly upon us! And for those of you who are used to on-campus classes, they’re going to look a little different than normal. But, there’s no cause for alarm! Here are some simple tips to help you minimize stress as you prepare for virtual exams: 

Test Guidelines

Find all the information you need about your exam so that you feel ready.

  • What date and time will the exam be available?
  • How long do you have to take the test?
  • What types of test questions will you have to answer (multiple choice, essay, short answer, etc.)?

Check Your Technology

Make sure you have a charger available and all the necessary software before you begin an exam.

  • Need a computer? Make an appointment to use one at our Learning Centers.
  • Will you need headphones?

Testing Space

Choose a quiet spot where you will be able to focus.

  • If you do not feel you have a distraction-free location or a good internet connection, you can make an appointment to use our Learning Centers to take your test.

Study

Spend some time reviewing course materials and identifying what you don’t understand, so you can focus on those areas.

  • Make flash cards
  • Review old exams
  • Form a virtual study group
  • Use your instructor’s office hours to ask questions

Reduce Anxiety

If test taking makes you nervous, find an activity to alleviate these feelings beforehand.

  • Listen to music or a podcast
  • Read a book
  • Watch your favorite show
  • Do some breathing exercises

As this semester comes to a close, I wish you the very best in your studies and on your finals. I’m rooting for you!

New Entrepreneurship certificate program: Learn how to launch a business!

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By Ellen Lux, Director, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A common question we get from first-time visitors to the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is, “How do I start my business?”  In response, the CIE, in collaboration with key business faculty, developed a 100% online, Entrepreneurship certificate program. In a series of six courses, we cover five essential smart business startup steps. Students walk away with a roadmap to launch their business. CIE advisors are available for additional coaching and mentoring upon completion of the program.

Benefits of this certificate program include:

  • 100% online to accommodate any schedule
  • Can be completed in less than three months
  • Interactive and fun! Features engaging assessments, trivia, discussions, videos and expert feedback
  • Students work on developing their business plan, not abstract “bookwork”
  • Taught by subject matter experts and business owners with first-hand experience who understand the challenges and benefits of business ownership
  • Students earn a certificate and college credit. Completing all six courses earns three elective business credits

Have you been thinking about starting a business, but don’t know how to get started?  Find out more about this exciting new educational program! 

 

Achieve your goals at any age through OU at the UC

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By Tricia Ashman, Oakland University alumna

I earned my associate degree at Macomb Community College in 1993. I planned to pursue my bachelor’s degree, but then life happened. I had a full-time job. I got married and was raising three kids. But, completing my degree was a personal goal.

In 2016, I met with Oakland University Academic Adviser Lindsay Zeig at the University Center (UC). Lindsay told me that Oakland University’s (OU) bachelor of integrative studies degree would allow me to transfer 88 credits, meaning I only needed to take 32 credits at OU. And, I could customize my courses for those 32 credits. I wanted to use my writing and interpersonal skills, so I chose communication and human resource development courses.

OU was a great choice for my bachelor’s degree. I was able to juggle my work and family commitments, taking evening courses at the UC with online courses. And, the OU faculty were incredibly understanding of my needs as a non-traditional student.

Earning my degree at 47 showed my kids it’s okay to accept life’s detours and it’s never too late to achieve your goals. With my OU degree and 30 years of professional experience, I’m ready to take on new career opportunities.

Learn more about Oakland University at the Macomb University Center: https://www.macomb.edu/future-students/choose-program/university-center/oakland-university.html

3 and 1 program: An easy and affordable path to a Ferris State bachelor’s degree

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By Katherine Woodson, Ferris State University alumna

This past August, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University. I started my amazing college journey at Macomb Community College. When I first came to Macomb, I was back and forth with what I wanted to do and where I wanted to transfer. Then, I heard about their fantastic partnership with Ferris State University!

The Ferris advisor I spoke to was extremely helpful and laid out everything I needed to do. I was so relieved to have such a straightforward plan for my education. I also love the 3 and 1 program they offered. This allowed me to spend three years at Macomb and one year at Ferris, keeping costs down while still giving me a remarkable education. Ferris’ teachers at the University Center were tremendously knowledgeable, and my overall experience was most certainly positive. I gained lifelong friendships and experiences through Ferris, and I am proud to be a Ferris State University graduate.

If you are a student at Macomb and are looking for what comes next, I would absolutely recommend looking into Ferris’ 3 and 1 program through the Macomb University Center.

Learn more about Ferris State at the Macomb University Center