Trade & Apprenticeship Options
Cosmetology
Cosmetology is large field of work that consists of hair, skin, and nail care. Careers vary between hair stylist, massage therapist., and makeup artist.
Douglas J Aveda
This institute offers classes in cosmetology and esthiology. 1,500 hour program to learn the skills in haircutting, styling, skincare, and nail care. 600 hour program to skin care, body waxing, facials, and make up application.
Paul Mitchell the School
1,500 hour program to learn the skills to cut, color, and texture.
Empire Beauty School
1,500 hour program in cosmetology, hair cutting, design, color, texture, basic skin care.
Mosely School of Cosmetology
Programs include cosmetology, esthetician, nail technician, and certification in eyelash extension and brown tint.
Douglas J Aveda
This institute offers classes in cosmetology and esthiology. 1,500 hour program to learn the skills in haircutting, styling, skincare, and nail care. 600 hour program to skin care, body waxing, facials, and make up application.
Paul Mitchell the School
1,500 hour program to learn the skills to cut, color, and texture.
Empire Beauty School
1,500 hour program in cosmetology, hair cutting, design, color, texture, basic skin care.
Mosely School of Cosmetology
Programs include cosmetology, esthetician, nail technician, and certification in eyelash extension and brown tint.
Construction, Welding, Etc.
CONSTRUCTION, WELDING, ETC.
Careers in construction vary from welding, pipefitting, electrician, carpentry, and the list goes on.
Grand Rapids Community College - Welding
Earn a one-year Welding certificate and enhance your welding skills.
West Michigan Construction Institute
Take courses in carpentry, concrete, plumbing, sprinkler fitting, and exterior envelope.
Harmel Academy of the Trades
A residential, Catholic, one or two-year skilled trades program.
Grand Rapids Community College - Welding
Earn a one-year Welding certificate and enhance your welding skills.
West Michigan Construction Institute
Take courses in carpentry, concrete, plumbing, sprinkler fitting, and exterior envelope.
Harmel Academy of the Trades
A residential, Catholic, one or two-year skilled trades program.
Healthcare
HEALTHCARE
Ross Medical Education Center
Nursing assistant (2-4 weeks), dental assistant 36 weeks, medical assistant 30 - 36 weeks
Grand Rapids Community College - Dental Assisting
The 10 month program provide the credits necessary for eligibility for Registered Dental Hygiene licensure and Registered Dental Assisting licensure.
Grand Rapids Community College - Healthcare
Training programs include Certified Nurse Aid, Community Health Worker, Direct Care Professional, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, & Phlebotomy Skills
PES Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training
Training to become a certified CNA. Virtual options available.
Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts & Sciences
Programs include Medical Massage Therapy, Holistic Health Practitioner, Phlebotomy Technician, Personal Fitness Trainer, Clinical Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Diet-Weight Management, and Acupressure & Massage.
Center for Medical Training
The 77 hour nurse aide training course consists of online training, clinical capability demonstrations, and on-site clinical experience in a long term care setting. At the end of training students will be registered to take their nurse aide certifications exam.
Dorsey College
Programs include training for careers as a Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Administration and Billing, Paramedic, and Sterile Processing Technician.
Flat River Medical
The Nursing Assistant Training program offers CNA training, state test preparation and state testing.
Versiti Phlebotomy School
The phlebotomy nursing program offers certificates and on-the-job paid training to those who qualify.
Emergency Medical Technician
The course prepares students to pass the NREMT certification exams to work as an entry-level EMT.
Nursing assistant (2-4 weeks), dental assistant 36 weeks, medical assistant 30 - 36 weeks
Grand Rapids Community College - Dental Assisting
The 10 month program provide the credits necessary for eligibility for Registered Dental Hygiene licensure and Registered Dental Assisting licensure.
Grand Rapids Community College - Healthcare
Training programs include Certified Nurse Aid, Community Health Worker, Direct Care Professional, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, & Phlebotomy Skills
PES Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training
Training to become a certified CNA. Virtual options available.
Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts & Sciences
Programs include Medical Massage Therapy, Holistic Health Practitioner, Phlebotomy Technician, Personal Fitness Trainer, Clinical Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Diet-Weight Management, and Acupressure & Massage.
Center for Medical Training
The 77 hour nurse aide training course consists of online training, clinical capability demonstrations, and on-site clinical experience in a long term care setting. At the end of training students will be registered to take their nurse aide certifications exam.
Dorsey College
Programs include training for careers as a Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Administration and Billing, Paramedic, and Sterile Processing Technician.
Flat River Medical
The Nursing Assistant Training program offers CNA training, state test preparation and state testing.
Versiti Phlebotomy School
The phlebotomy nursing program offers certificates and on-the-job paid training to those who qualify.
Emergency Medical Technician
The course prepares students to pass the NREMT certification exams to work as an entry-level EMT.
Transportation
TRANSPORTATION
West Michigan CDL
3 week course to become a commercial truck driver.
FCG Truck Driver Training School
A variety of course options to earn your commercial drivers license.
A&B CDL Inc
A 4-week truck driving school that provides hands-on and classroom training for careers in the transportation industry.
STAR Driver Training
Earn your commercial driver's license and learn how to safely and professionally handle a semi tractor trailer, straight truck, school bus, and passenger bus.
3 week course to become a commercial truck driver.
FCG Truck Driver Training School
A variety of course options to earn your commercial drivers license.
A&B CDL Inc
A 4-week truck driving school that provides hands-on and classroom training for careers in the transportation industry.
STAR Driver Training
Earn your commercial driver's license and learn how to safely and professionally handle a semi tractor trailer, straight truck, school bus, and passenger bus.
Other
Culinary
Secchia Institute for Culinary Education
The program allows you to enter the workforce or to continue studies towards an associates degree.
IT
ONLC Training Centers
Provides professional Training Classes for IT and to earn certifications for a variety of softwares.
Aviation & Hospitality
The Travel Academy
A 10 - 30 week online program to learn in the ins and outs to become a flight attendant.
Air Traffic Technical Training
Apprenticeships
West Michigan Apprenticeships
Michigan Advanced Technician
This apprenticeship program provides students a 3 year career pathway that alternates between classroom training and on the job, paid work experience. Current programs include Mechatronics Technician and CNC Machining Technician.
Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship program gives you an entry point to a career in health care by guiding you in taking steps towards becoming a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certified Pharmacy Technician and helping you maintain the high level of skill required in the pharmacy care industry. Up to 8 College Credit Hours by ACE, health benefits, career development programs
NN Inc. CNC Machinist Apprentice
This program is combination of classroom training at Grand Rapids Community College's Applied Technology Center along with working alongside a skilled CNC Machinist. Will work hands on with a skilled Machinist Monday-Thursday and attend school at the Grand Rapids Community College's Advanced Technology center every Friday. Upon Completion of the program will obtain:
Pridgeon & Clay
Apprenticeship programs are a great way to earn compensation, gain experience and obtain a Journeyperson Card! P&C has a program that is completely paid for (not reimbursed). Our apprentices work directly with a Journeyperson Mentor, the program allows you to be eligible for wage increases at program milestones, is registered with the Department of Labor (DOL), and provides opportunities for exposure to various departments. Apprenticeship Programs are available for: Tool & Die Maker, Weld Technician, CNC/Laser Programmer, CMM Technician, and Maintenance Technician.
West Michigan Electrical JATC
Two programs registered with the United States Department of Labor, a 5-year time-based program that leads to Journeyman Inside Wireman status upon completion and a 4-year competency-based program that leads to Journeyman Construction Electrician status upon completion. Starting apprentices earn $15.48 /hr and senior apprentices can earn as much as $30.97/hr
Medical Assistant
Sterile Processing Technician
An 18-week training program developed in partnership with West Michigan Works! and Grand Rapids Community College. Sterile processing technicians decontaminate, inspect, assemble, sterilize, and distribute durable medical equipment most commonly used in operating rooms. Apprentices work (3) three days per week at Mercy Health and attend class (2) two days per week at GRCC.
Walker Tool & Die, Inc
Requirements for this apprenticeship include a desire to learn a skilled trade, strong work ethic, experience with power tools, a strong mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or GED.
Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling
The Heating & Cooling HVAC apprenticeship is a full time paid position with benefits.
Artiflex
The Tool & Die apprenticeship program earns a Tool & Die Maker Journeyman Card after 8,000 work hours combined with appropriate curriculum. Benefits include GRCC tuition and fees paid 100% and upfront by Artiflex, a pay increase after every 1,000 hours worked, and more.
Wayland Carpenter & Millwright
The facility allows for cross-training between Carpenters, Floor Layers, and Millwrights, equipping workers with unique hard and soft skills to successfully take on any project.
UFB Business School
A 2-year 100% scholarship-based Business program hosted by UFP Industries in Grand Rapids. Students receive their tuition free education, and are also hired on as part-time interns at the corporate campus in Grand Rapids. Every term they are placed in a department as a PAID intern to develop different skill sets along their way. Each April, they send out students for 6 weeks at a field placement.
UA 174 - Pipefitters
Those interested in becoming a pipefitter but do not have experience can fill out an information sheet to be contacted about apprenticeships.
This apprenticeship program provides students a 3 year career pathway that alternates between classroom training and on the job, paid work experience. Current programs include Mechatronics Technician and CNC Machining Technician.
Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship program gives you an entry point to a career in health care by guiding you in taking steps towards becoming a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certified Pharmacy Technician and helping you maintain the high level of skill required in the pharmacy care industry. Up to 8 College Credit Hours by ACE, health benefits, career development programs
NN Inc. CNC Machinist Apprentice
This program is combination of classroom training at Grand Rapids Community College's Applied Technology Center along with working alongside a skilled CNC Machinist. Will work hands on with a skilled Machinist Monday-Thursday and attend school at the Grand Rapids Community College's Advanced Technology center every Friday. Upon Completion of the program will obtain:
- Certificate in Machine Tool & Technology.
- Department of Labor Skilled Machinist Journeyman’s certificate.
- 27 articulated college credits towards an associate in Tooling & Manufacturing Technology
- 100% paid up front college tuition to complete associates & bachelor’s degrees.
Pridgeon & Clay
Apprenticeship programs are a great way to earn compensation, gain experience and obtain a Journeyperson Card! P&C has a program that is completely paid for (not reimbursed). Our apprentices work directly with a Journeyperson Mentor, the program allows you to be eligible for wage increases at program milestones, is registered with the Department of Labor (DOL), and provides opportunities for exposure to various departments. Apprenticeship Programs are available for: Tool & Die Maker, Weld Technician, CNC/Laser Programmer, CMM Technician, and Maintenance Technician.
West Michigan Electrical JATC
Two programs registered with the United States Department of Labor, a 5-year time-based program that leads to Journeyman Inside Wireman status upon completion and a 4-year competency-based program that leads to Journeyman Construction Electrician status upon completion. Starting apprentices earn $15.48 /hr and senior apprentices can earn as much as $30.97/hr
Medical Assistant
Sterile Processing Technician
An 18-week training program developed in partnership with West Michigan Works! and Grand Rapids Community College. Sterile processing technicians decontaminate, inspect, assemble, sterilize, and distribute durable medical equipment most commonly used in operating rooms. Apprentices work (3) three days per week at Mercy Health and attend class (2) two days per week at GRCC.
Walker Tool & Die, Inc
Requirements for this apprenticeship include a desire to learn a skilled trade, strong work ethic, experience with power tools, a strong mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or GED.
Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling
The Heating & Cooling HVAC apprenticeship is a full time paid position with benefits.
Artiflex
The Tool & Die apprenticeship program earns a Tool & Die Maker Journeyman Card after 8,000 work hours combined with appropriate curriculum. Benefits include GRCC tuition and fees paid 100% and upfront by Artiflex, a pay increase after every 1,000 hours worked, and more.
Wayland Carpenter & Millwright
The facility allows for cross-training between Carpenters, Floor Layers, and Millwrights, equipping workers with unique hard and soft skills to successfully take on any project.
UFB Business School
A 2-year 100% scholarship-based Business program hosted by UFP Industries in Grand Rapids. Students receive their tuition free education, and are also hired on as part-time interns at the corporate campus in Grand Rapids. Every term they are placed in a department as a PAID intern to develop different skill sets along their way. Each April, they send out students for 6 weeks at a field placement.
UA 174 - Pipefitters
Those interested in becoming a pipefitter but do not have experience can fill out an information sheet to be contacted about apprenticeships.
Funding
Funding
Discover Manufacturing - Scholarships awarded to high school seniors pursuing a degree in a manufacturing related program or skilled trades technical training. Eligible students must reside in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, or Muskegon counties. Applicants must complete an online application and answer a 500-word essay answering, "why manufacturing is the right career path for me and how I plan to make a different in a manufacturing environment" and what experiences, related skills, or exposure to the manufacturing industry led you to pursue this industry?"
Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship - Students who have graduated from high school can receive up to $4,000 over two years to attend an eligible career training program.
Community West Vern Hyde Scholarship - Community West Credit Union members are welcome to apply for a $2,000 scholarship for individuals planning to to attend or currently attending a trade program.
Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship - Students who have graduated from high school can receive up to $4,000 over two years to attend an eligible career training program.
Community West Vern Hyde Scholarship - Community West Credit Union members are welcome to apply for a $2,000 scholarship for individuals planning to to attend or currently attending a trade program.
