Midland, Michigan, October 2015 – Greater Michigan Construction Academy (GMCA) announced it has received a $40,000 grant from the Midland Area Community Foundation to add new technology resources within the GMCA Midland Training Center to support local construction/skilled trades students.
In order to prepare the next generation of skilled trades professionals, GMCA requested funds to equip its classrooms with adequate technology, including computers, projection devices, screens and iPads. A grant was submitted to The Midland Area Community Foundation for funding of this initiative and the grant was received in September.
“The outpour of support from our community is something we truly appreciate. Helping us reach our goal of providing world class skilled trades training to Midland County students is something we couldn’t accomplish with it. This grant provides a huge boost to ensure that happens”, said Stephanie Davis, Director of Education and Training Greater Michigan Construction Academy.
The increasing need for high school students and young adults with limited access/opportunity to meet job opening demands in the new future in commercial/residential skilled trades needs to be addressed. Providing technology to implement such programs is important to both the learner and the construction industry to create not just a knowledgeable employee, but to create and achieve a much safer work environment. This project will impact GMCA skilled trades students – both high school and adult.
GMCA has been collaborating with area high schools and the Midland ESA through a Career & Technical Education (CTE) program in the construction trades for the past two years. Thirty-six (36) juniors and seniors from Midland High, Dow High, Midland ESA, Bullock Creek, Meridian, Coleman and Merrill attend GMCA daily from 7:30 – 9:30am as part of their school day. Students have completed the Core curriculum, which is a pre-requisite for any trade and consists of basic safety and construction information and are now on their level one training in either Electrical or HVAC.
The certifications students receive at GMCA while still in high school give them the jump start they need to enter the workforce sooner. Joining the CTE program as a junior would provide a graduating senior a nationally recognized second-year certification in their trade. Students would then be able to find employment with a local construction company and complete the remainder of their training through the traditional GMCA classes offered one evening a week, saving them time AND money.
For more information on pre-requisites and class fees contact GMCA at (989) 832-8879, sdavis@gmca.edu or visit our web site at www.gmca.edu
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GMCA’s mission is to Educate thru collaboration of the Construction Industry. Our Membership, Employees, and Communities; to develop Professional Workplace Competencies and Skills while promoting the Construction Industry as a Career Choice. For more information contact us at 989.832.8879 or sdavis@gmca.edu