Tuition-Free Training: Macomb College Opens Path to Trades

Residents in Warren and the surrounding Macomb County area have a new option for entering the skilled trades without upfront tuition. Macomb Community College is launching the Michigan Apprenticeship Program Plus, or MAP+, which provides a semester of technical training and college credit at no cost to the student. The program targets individuals seeking entry-level positions in manufacturing or construction.

The MAP+ curriculum combines technical coursework with career readiness seminars. Students spend the semester learning practical skills alongside modules on time management, critical thinking, resume writing, and interview techniques. Upon completion, participants receive 13 college credits and an Industrial Readiness Certificate. Each cohort is capped at 22 students to maintain a focused learning environment.

The program concludes with a structured hiring event. Local employers attend to interview students directly for entry-level skilled trade positions. Mark Jewett, associate dean of Engineering and Advanced Technology at the college, described the initiative as a no-cost on-ramp to careers in the region. "At the end of the program, they meet with local employers who are ready to hire," Jewett said. "It’s a terrific opportunity for high school seniors planning their next step or adults looking for a career change."

Macomb Community College will host an open house for the program on November 11 at 5 p.m. The event will take place in Room 191 of the T Building on the college’s South Campus in Warren. Attendees will receive details on specific courses and guidance on the application process. Those unable to attend the in-person session can request information and an application by emailing map_plus@macomb.edu.

Applicants for the winter 2027 semester must submit a completed MAP+ application by November 20. Required documents include a high school or college transcript and standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT WorkKeys. If an applicant has not previously taken the WorkKeys assessment, the college will arrange a no-cost test after receiving the completed application. The college, which grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan, aims to use the program to bridge the gap between education and local workforce needs.

The MAP+ program is designed to address immediate hiring demands in the industrial sector. By bundling technical instruction with soft-skills training, the college seeks to produce candidates who are ready for the workplace upon graduation. The limited cohort size ensures that each student receives individual attention during the semester. The upcoming information session serves as the primary point of contact for prospective students to clarify requirements and secure a spot in the winter intake.