Matt Hayduk, 23, of Macomb Township is working for a Roseville manufacturer of tool and die products for the automotive and aerospace industries and Kourtney Geiger, 35, of Detroit is gaining hands-on experience as an assistant behavioral analyst for a rehabilitation and autism center in Clinton Township.

Both are students enrolled in Macomb Community College’s apprenticeship program.

They are also shining examples of the sponsoring companies working to provide individuals with MCC’s apprenticeship the opportunity to earn while they learn while strategically developing a deep pool of talent to help sustain and grow their businesses.

That’s why Dr. Tatjana Savich brought Geiger on at Quality Care Rehabilitation & Autism Center.

“Our apprenticeship program came into being because we wanted to look for ways to recruit and upskill current staff members and provide them with professional growth and development opportunities,” Savich said, in a news release. “In working with Michigan Works! and Macomb Community College, we were able to develop the first behavior health aid technician program in Macomb County. We have eight apprentices now and have plans to enroll at least five more before the end of the year.”

Hayduk’s employer at True Industries was equally impressed with the program saying it helps preserve experienced talent while bringing in and fostering the development of younger team members.

“We have a leg up at True because we have guys with very good experience, about 20 years on average,” said Grant Kiesgen, general manager of the manufacturing company where Hayduk works. “We want to preserve that through younger aspiring minds that are interested in getting into the trade. They are hard to come by but once you get them, you want to help them grow. I would say an apprentice is more inclined to see the long-term plan, and it inspires their motivation which inspires them to want to learn more and retain more and try harder.”

These are just two shining examples.

During National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23, MCC will be highlighting the educational components for more than 850 apprenticeship programs in engineering and advanced technology, and health care fields.

Macomb’s apprenticeship week events will include:

Appreciation event for engineering students

MCC will host an appreciation event for Macomb’s Engineering and Advanced Technology apprentices Nov. 18 and Nov. 19, from 3 -7 p.m. There will be snacks and giveaways. Location: Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center (T Building) lobby on the South Campus in Warren.

Health care apprenticeships

This will be an information session for career pathways and apprenticeships in the health care field Nov. 19 from 5 — 6:30 p.m. Registration required at macomb.edu/event/health-care-apprenticeship-information-session-2602">https://events.macomb.edu/event/health-care-apprenticeship-information-session-2602. Location: Virtual

Business partnerships

Want to know how to start an apprenticeship program? Partnerships for Successful Registered Health Care Apprenticeships on Nov. 21 from 8 to 10 a.m. will feature a panel discussion with health care partners, employers and community stakeholders sharing best practices, how the apprenticeship model could fit in their business and successes, and pre-apprenticeships. To attend, email macomb.edu">jurya707@macomb.edu.

Location: K Building, South Campus, Warren

Michigan Apprenticeship Program (MAP)

This is an informational session on Nov. 21, from 4 to 5 p.m. Those who attend will learn details about Macomb’s MAP Plus program (MAP+), a tuition-free program that builds foundational skills in either construction or advanced manufacturing. Includes details on how to apply for the upcoming semester in January. Register at macomb.edu/event/map-information-session">https://events.macomb.edu/event/map-information-session. Location: Virtual

“The apprenticeship was the best option for me as a single mom working full time,” said Geiger. “I really had these dreams of advancement, and I didn’t think that it was something that I could really see in my future. So, when I was approached about an apprenticeship, it was kind of like a dream come true.”

Hayduk said he feels he has grown a great deal through his apprenticeship at True Industries.

“I have learned a lot, not even just the skills of being a tool and die maker,” said Hayduk. “I’ve learned more responsibility like showing up to work on time, how certain things work like how a lunch break works and how an overall workplace is supposed to function. I have definitely transformed maturity wise.”

For more information and maps visit macomb.edu