Reflecting on Apprenticeship Success

GST Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Department hosted an Alumni dinner event catered by a local diner, Dom’s Diner, at the Flint Farmer’s Market on the evening of November 18th. This event was attended by 30 alumnae of the Apprenticeship Readiness Program who completed the training from 2016-2021. GSTMW! The team was excited to reconnect and recognized the participants for successfully completing the training. Representatives from the Ironworkers and Operating Engineers Unions attended the event to show their support. Community partners were also in attendance, including the Lapeer Tech Center, Academy West Adult Education, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and Center for Higher Education Achievement representatives. The Apprentice Readiness Training Coordinator, Howard Hipes, presented information about the training program and the success rate of students who completed the program entering into a construction trades apprenticeship program. Information was shared about the upcoming January 2022 class and how community partners can get involved with the recruitment process.“It was so nice to see the individual participants and hear where life has taken them since they completed the class. I really enjoyed seeing our efforts turn into success!” Wanda Bigelow, Apprenticeship Manager, GST Michigan Works!