SEMCOG’s Locals Lead Initiative highlights the vital role that local leaders play in Southeast Michigan’s success. Effective leaders:
- Innovate and collaborate to foster resilient, vibrant communities
- provide a calm voice and steady presence to help communities navigate challenges by facilitating shared understanding through civil conversations
- Combat divisiveness and lead constructive conversations that reach mutually beneficial outcomes
The entrepreneurial approach of Southeast Michigan’s community colleges always impresses me in its responsiveness to meeting regional talent needs. Macomb Community College’s new Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) training program exemplifies how a premiere institution:
- Identifies an opportunity
- Develops a program that addresses a national need
- Builds on regional expertise (manufacturing)
- Provides training that will lead to high-wage, high-skilled jobs for residents
Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative
Jim Sawyer, President of Macomb Community College, speaking at the announcement of the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing initiative at the Sports and Expo Center, South Campus (Warren).
The Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) initiative is a statewide initiative representing a $50 million investment in Michigan’s maritime manufacturing future to help meet the Navy’s needs for thousands of new workers across Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
When the United States Navy announced that it was expanding its fleet of submarines by doubling production each year, Macomb Community College responded by highlighting its expertise in manufacturing, skilled trades, and technology programs. As a result, the Navy is investing $15.4 million in the college over two years to increase capacity for fast-track programs in CNC and welding – skills that are essential to submarine building. This provides students with the ability to pass third-party industry certifications and be immediately productive in a work environment.
CNC training area, showing both mill and lathe machines
“The Navy selected Macomb because we were able to articulate the college’s competency to the navy, the county’s expertise in manufacturing and defense industries and new facilities and labs, including the Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center.”
-Jim Sawyer, President, Macomb Community College
In addition, the Navy was impressed by the extent of the college’s collaboration with both the public and private sectors. Macomb was able to engage public partners including Macomb County, the Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! workforce development agency, and the State of Michigan. It also engaged many of the county’s employers in the maritime supply chain, including Dynasty Fab to provide insight on the jobs and skills needed to succeed.
Once the Navy selected Macomb, it took just six months for the college to develop and start the training. Strong and active support from Macomb’s board, leadership, administration, and many different departments were needed to create a complex government contract for a training program that meets the needs of the Navy.
“Detroit was known as the arsenal of democracy – using its expertise in auto manufacturing to make tanks during World War II… Now Michigan is rising to support the maritime industry at a time of national need”.
-Patrick Rouse, Director of Workforce and Continuing Education, Engineering and Advanced Technology, Macomb Community College
The Navy has committed to investing $15.4 million over two years at Macomb. A portion of Macomb’s Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) in Warren, the college’s headquarters for engineering and advanced manufacturing workforce development, has been transformed into a center for maritime skilled trades training. This included the installation of 24 new CNC machines, 24 new welding booths, and 36 welders.
Recruiting Students for Career Success
CNC students working on CNC mill machines
The Navy is covering the cost of training the first 384 students in CNC and welding, meaning there is no expense for students for the 17- week program. The only requirement is a high school diploma or a GED, and an interest in pursuing a skilled trades career. Veterans are given preference – with 25% of seats reserved for veterans until two weeks before classes start. Students have been recruited through various channels, including Michigan Works! agencies.
To accommodate personal or work responsibilities, the College will offer both welding and CNC programs twice a day. Each class has 12 students and is 40 hours a week Monday through Friday. There is a 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. shift and another from 3:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
“These programs are important to workers in Macomb County because they create great careers, with an average starting wage [of] $25 per hour – sustainable wages with opportunities for significant growth.”
– Patrick Rouse
Maximum class sizes of 12 provide ample time on machines with a 1:1 machinery/student ratio. The first two cohorts are full, and there are more than 60 people on the waitlist. The goal is to start a new cohort every 8 weeks.
The agreement with the Navy is to train 384 students, but there may be opportunities to expand further as needed either at Macomb or other community colleges in Michigan that have the necessary expertise as well as local maritime supply chains.
Creating the Future Workforce in Macomb County and Michigan
Nov. 8 launch event for local industry. The photo features keynote speaker Rear Admiral Peter D. Small, Chief Engineer and Deputy Commander of Naval Systems, with students from the initial welding and CNC cohorts who began training on Nov. 12.
Although the Navy is investing in creating the pipeline for the maritime industry, program participants are able to work in various industries after graduation. There are thousands of positions in welding and CNC in the region. There are approximately 60 suppliers in ten counties around Southeast Michigan that are suppliers to the Navy in some capacity. Some employers also serve other defense industries, so the goal is to produce transferable skills.
“The program was an opportunity for the college to continue supporting workforce needs of employers in the county and region – particularly in defense and aerospace and 100% of the skills taught in the two programs are transferable to many different industries.”
– Jim Sawyer
To find out more about the training program, visit the Macomb Community College Michigan Maritime Training program.
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