KCC’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center in Battle Creek.
Students interested in working as a plumber, pipefitter, service technician, sprinkler fitter or in working a similar trade can learn about career opportunities during a presentation hosted by Kellogg Community College and the U.A. Local 357 trade union this Wednesday.
Representatives from the KCC Welding Program – based at the college’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center in Battle Creek – and the Local 357 will begin their presentation at 7 p.m. March 13 at Hastings High School, 520 W. South St., Hastings.
The event is free and open to KCC students and students who attend Hastings High School.
Laura McGuire, director of the RMTC, said the event is being held to promote work opportunities available through the union, opportunities for which interested students would initially be hired in as apprentices.
“The average age of apprentices in many companies is 45 years old or older,” McGuire said. “Many companies and labor organizations are trying to recruit more youth for these training programs in order to meet demand, which will be driven by retirements.”
McGuire said such apprentices generally receive 576 hours of classroom training and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training – all provided by the company.
“An apprenticeship is a no-cost alternative to a college education,” McGuire said. “Students who earn a journeyman’s card can expect to earn $40,000 a year within the first few years of earning their credential.”
For more information about the Hastings High School event, apprenticeships or about learning a trade through KCC, contact the RMTC at 269-965-4137 or visit www.kellogg.edu/rmtc.
Labor organizations interested in recruiting RMTC students may contact RMTC Director Laura McGuire at 269-565-2800 or at mcguirel@kellogg.edu.
For more news about Kellogg Community College, view our latest press releases online at daily.kellogg.edu/category/press-releases.