Employment-related Academic Opportunities

APPRENTICESHIP
(810) 989-5790

In today’s highly technical world, whether in industry, commerce or public services, apprenticeship is still one of the best ways to acquire occupational skills required for full qualification in an ever-increasing number of career fields.

Apprenticeship is a prescribed learning experience during which an individual who is an “apprentice” learns a trade through several years of on-the-job training and Related Trade Instruction (RTI). Apprenticeships usually last about four years, in which the apprentice is a full-time employee.

Apprenticeship programs are registered with the Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor. Upon successful completion of both the Related Trade Instruction and a predetermined work schedule, the apprentice receives a Certificate of Completion from the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship. The apprentice will also receive a Certificate of Program Completion from St. Clair County Community College. Apprentices have the opportunity to continue their education in a prescribed curriculum and earn an associate degree.

JOB UPGRADING
In cooperation with local industries, the college has also established an “Upgrader Program.” An upgrader is any person working in or learning an apprenticeable occupation, but is employed by a company not participating in a registered program even though the occupation is apprenticeable.

These programs are excellent Earn-As-You-Learn training, which allow the student to earn college credit. Credit and work experience earned in this program may be applied to an apprenticeship RTI if the employer becomes an active participant in apprenticeship. Enrollment in these specialized courses or programs is made with the College Apprenticeship Coordinator.

Many programs for different vocations are available. Inquiries regarding these programs should be made to the College Apprenticeship Office, Tom Decker at (810) 989-5790 or tdecker@sc4.edu.

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
Adult students who desire to improve their working knowledge through related trade instruction, individuals who are required to attend specific classes as part of a company apprenticeship program, working adults in training or upgrading programs, or any individual who can profit from the instruction may enroll.

TUITION
Cash or check must accompany enrollment.

ATTENDANCE
To comply with apprenticeship training regulations, there is a rigid check on classroom attendance. Each apprentice should be present and on time for every class session.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION (CO-OP)
Co-op is a program which incorporates actual work experience into the planned college curriculum. After successful completion of the basic courses, students may elect to enter a co-op experience. Co-op allows the student to be placed in an approved training environment, earn college credits for satisfactory work performance and earn wages for hours worked.

To participate in this program, students must be qualified and receive approval from their department faculty advisor prior to the semester that co-op work experience is desired.

The following programs offer co-op education:

INTERNSHIP

Internship is the most commonly used term to describe another means for students to apply classroom theory to work situations. Through the integration of academic study and work experience, students enhance their academic knowledge, personal development and professional preparation. This is a structured work experience for college credit that is developed by the department faculty advisor, the employer and the student. See the appropriate department faculty for more details.

The following programs offer internships: