Laborers' International Union of North America members gain new pathway to college credit through apprenticeships

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) joined partners at Washtenaw Community College for a signing ceremony to celebrate the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), and other building trades unions and community colleges awarding college credit to workers who complete building trades Registered Apprenticeship programs through LEO’s recently launched Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships Program.

The Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships Program was launched in partnership with the state’s skilled building trades unions, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) and the Michigan Workforce Development Board to award college credit for the rigorous on-the-job learning that occurs through Registered Apprenticeship training.

“The Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships program is helping learners get even more out of their world-class training,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “The program helps apprentices earn college credit while learning in-demand skills through their trade – providing increased career flexibility, growth opportunities and earning power. Together, we're strengthening pathways for trades workers to learn new technologies, start businesses, move into project management, pursue union leadership and more.”

LEO launched the Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships Program in partnership with the state’s skilled building trades unions, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) and the Michigan Workforce Development Board to award college credit for the rigorous on-the-job learning that occurs through registered apprenticeship training. In many cases, apprentices who complete their program will need to take only one semester of community college courses to finish an associate’s degree. And, if they’re over age 21, they can use to finish their degree at no cost to them through Michigan Reconnect.

“The Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships Program ensures workers can build on their skills at any stage in their careers – a win for workers and employers both.” said Michigan Workforce Development Board Executive Director and LEO Chief of Staff Jessica Brousseau. “The Michigan Workforce Development Board and LEO, in collaboration with our labor and higher education partners, are proud to have launched this program and look forward to continuing to expand its footprint and support workers across the state to take advantage of this pathway.”

To date, 12 skilled building trades unions have signed up to participate in the program and have either completed or are undergoing the curriculum evaluation process to determine how much college credit participating colleges can award. Those unions include:  

• International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW)
• International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (Insulators)
• International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART)
• International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers)
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
• International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)
• International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)
• Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA)
• Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA)
• Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters/Millwrights)
• United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers (Roofers)

“LIUNA is proud to offer our members the opportunity to get their best-in-class registered apprenticeship training recognized as college credit through the Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships Program,” said Jeff Smrz, Director of LIUNA Michigan Training. “This program makes it easier for journey workers to continue their education and is squarely aligned to our union’s mission to fight for fairness, opportunity, and dignity for all who work.”

“Awarding college credit for registered apprenticeships recognizes the value of hands-on, industry experience and ensures workers across the region can build on past learning regardless of where it occurs.” said Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, President of Washtenaw Community College. “We are proud of our long history of partnering with the Building Trades and are pleased to continue deepening this collaboration through the Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeship Program to empower workers and help employers meet their evolving talent needs.”

Twenty-nine of Michigan's public and tribal community colleges have agreed to accept Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships Program credits. This effort builds on existing local agreements between community colleges and building trade unions that award credit for prior learning to ensure this opportunity is available to trades workers across the state.

“Michigan’s community colleges are creating new opportunities for skilled workers to build on their training and experience through college credentials,” said Brandy Johnson, president of the Michigan Community College Association. “Our partnership with LIUNA through MI-CCAP recognizes the value of registered apprenticeship training while opening new pathways for career advancement and strengthening Michigan’s workforce.”

As more trades complete their curriculum evaluations and community colleges finalize their credit mapping, the list of participating institutions will continue to grow. 

Learn more at Michigan.gov/CollegeCreditApprenticeships.  

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