Toyota and Subaru of Ann Arbor will be the first company to hire apprentices under WCC’s Apprenticeship Program Standards
Ann Arbor, Mich.—Washtenaw Community College (WCC) has received approval for its first U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program, serving as an intermediary in partnership with Toyota and Subaru of Ann Arbor. The approval also opens the door for WCC to develop similar apprenticeship programs with other companies for any USDOL approved occupation.
The partnership is the first of its kind in the region, with Toyota and Subaru offering a two-year Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program to successful candidates.
“We’re so excited to join forces with WCC on this initiative. The work that they do to make our community a great place to work and live is so vital. Our partnership with WCC will continue to serve their mission of striving to make a positive difference in people’s lives through accessible and excellent educational programs and services while also living out our mission statement of inspiring people to grow, making our families, our team, and our community proud. I don’t think we could possibly have any more alignment as we work together to serve our community,” said Michael Spiegl, Dealer Principal at Toyota and Subaru of Ann Arbor.
Apprentices earn a living wage, which increases as they gain skills, while learning under the guidance of a mentor through 2,000 hours of annual on-the-job training at either Toyota of Ann Arbor or Subaru of Ann Arbor. Additionally, apprentices are required to complete five classes over the course of the two-year program, all of which are a part of the Automotive Service Technician Certificate at WCC.
USDOL Registered Apprenticeship programs are highly structured and have robust outcomes, with 90% of apprentices employed after completing an apprenticeship. In addition, they are the only apprenticeship programs that currently benefit from both federal and state funding, setting them apart from other types of apprenticeship training programs.
WCC is committed to ensuring that apprentices receive a well-rounded education that combines classroom learning and hands-on experience and prepares them for a successful career in the automotive industry.
“We are thrilled that our college has received this approval to serve as an intermediary for USDOL apprenticeship programs. This is a significant achievement as it enables us to directly support companies, certify new apprenticeship programs and help them manage, track, and document each apprentice’s progress as they work toward completion. This is a transformative step forward, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our region’s workforce development,” said Kyrsten Rue, Manager of Experiential Learning and Employer Relations in WCC’s Center for Career Success and Office of Apprenticeship.
“The new partnership between Toyota and Subaru of Ann Arbor goes to show the investment by WCC and opens doors for similar partnerships. The apprenticeship model is proven to be a great asset to companies who choose to utilize, invest and grow their talent,” said Paul Thomas, Apprenticeship Coordinator at WCC.
Apprenticeships at WCC
Students, job-seekers and prospective partner companies can learn more about apprenticeship programs at Washtenaw Community College by visiting wccnet.edu/apprenticeship.
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