Schoolcraft students complete apprenticeships at Wellington Industries

A joint apprenticeship program sponsored by Schoolcraft College and Wellington Industries in Van Buren Township recently recognized two apprentices after they completed 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and earned 48 college credits.
The two apprentices – Jesse Dennis of Monroe and Timothy Buffett of Royal Oak – earned an incrementally increasing wage-per-hour during their on-the-job training as tool and die makers, and completed their classes without incurring any student debt as Wellington Industries funded the tuition costs for their classes at Schoolcraft College.
With assistance from Schoolcraft, Wellington Industries became the first employer-sponsor and registered the tool and die apprenticeship through the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship in 2015, naming Schoolcraft College as the technical training institution. With completion of the program – generally between 2 and 4 years depending on the occupation – the apprentices received a nationally recognized credential from the DOL.
“We have enjoyed a tremendous relationship with Wellington Industries and appreciate their support of the College,” said Pamela Linton, the Apprenticeship Coordinator in Schoolcraft’s Occupational Programs department. “Wellington was the first company to commit to the program when we re-launched apprenticeships in 2015, and now can take pride in the achievements of their first registered apprenticeship completers.”
Linton said Schoolcraft College currently has more than 25 registered apprentices with 16 area companies, and over two dozen students gearing up as pre-apprentices.
”Students are training in many different skilled occupations, including manufacturing, like the one at Wellington Industries, and we are also expanding this ‘earn-and-learn’ model into other industries now. We recently placed medical assistant apprentices with a large local health care employer-sponsor. This model is a win-win for everyone because employers grow their own talent through specialized training and students gain on-the-job experience, make a very solid wage, and have earned an education with little to no student debt.”
Gary Sievert, the Director of Human Resources at Wellington Industries, also spoke highly of the apprenticeship program and partnership with Schoolcraft College.
“Wellington Industries is very proud of the significant accomplishments achieved by our team members Jesse and Tim. Equally important is the very rewarding relationship that Wellington forged with Schoolcraft College through this endeavor,” Sievert said.
“Through the hard work and dedication of both Jesse and Tim along with the commitment and devotion of the unbelievable Schoolcraft College staff, at all levels, collectively we were able to establish a win-win and enduring partnership that will carry on well into the future.”
For more information on Schoolcraft College’s Apprenticeship Program, call (734) 462‑7372 or visit www.schoolcraft.edu/bdc/apprenticeships.