Jeffrey Mosher catches up with Lee Graham, Executive Director, Labor Management and Education, Operating Engineers 324.
The focus of the interview is around May which is Professional Trades Month. Why is it important to call attention to this topic?

Click below to hear Lee and Jeffrey’s interview in this podcast! 

In this interview shared above Lee reviews answers to questions such as:

I understand May is Professional Trades Month. Why is it important to call attention to this topic?

· We’re grateful that Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to proclaim May as Professional Trades Month. We all know the amount of infrastructure work necessary, from a city and state to a federal level.

· We know that there are roads and bridges to be built. There are energy plants, wind and solar farms, and pipelines that will power Michigan well into the future. Schools and homes to build, buildings to maintain, and manufacturing to be done.

· What we often don’t realize are the great careers that are available in these fields.

· These are highly-skilled, rewarding, professional careers that sustain families.

· This is a great opportunity to honor those in these fields, show the value of this work, and encourage others to explore educational opportunities and gain career awareness.

· These highly-skilled workers help our communities thrive, and this month and beyond, we honor their contributions and encourage Michiganders to consider exploring rewarding professional trade career paths.

· For the state’s economy to continue to grow and become more competitive we must continue to educate and employ individuals in professional trades careers.

 

Why are Apprenticeships – and Registered Apprenticeships in particular – so important to the future of our state?

· Apprenticeships are often the foundation for these long, rewarding, sustainable careers.

· They provide both the knowledge base that prepares someone for the challenges their chosen field will offer, as well as hones the essential -skills that translate into work and life.

· In the Professional Skilled Trades, we go a step further – our apprenticeships are Registered with the US Department of Labor. These Registered Apprenticeships meet highly developed Federal standards, and ensure our apprentices have a set of skills that transcend even our state, but meet rigid nation-wide guidelines.

· When someone enters our programs, they earn while they learn. No accumulation of debt.

· So we are talking about pairing a workforce that is well educated in these Registered Apprenticeship programs, with the serious need we have for infrastructure and advanced manufacturing in a way not seen in 70 plus years.

· That means the opportunities are there, and in turn, our industry and sector can become one of the driving forces propelling the economy forward.

 

How does working with employers themselves make a stronger workforce?

· One thing we know for certain is that it takes a partnership. Our employers want to know they work they are doing is going to be carried out by the most well trained, qualified workers available.

· The more efficient we are, the more efficient they are. So we work with them, to identify their needs and translate it into what we are teaching.

· This is a model that is applied statewide.

· Efficiencies are going to be important as we build back up, and the best way to find those efficiencies are in conversations between these groups.

· We can work together, to identify what has been working, and sometimes what hasn’t, and recommend changes so that our businesses can have the best chance at success with a well trained workforce.

· We know Michigan has the talent, we are taking the next step to make their success certain.

What about the impact of the pandemic on professional trades jobs?

· While most job sectors have been hit hard by a pandemic-riddled economy and are seeing slow job growth or none at all, the professional trades were booming across the nation during the past year.

· Construction and manufacturing both kept working throughout the pandemic, and are even stronger as we emerge from the challenges we faced.

· Now is as great a time as ever to enter the professional trades – the opportunities are endless, and the work is needed.

How does an apprenticeship training program compared to a traditional college path?

· Every career requires post-secondary learning

· Just as college is the path for a doctor or teacher to learn the skills they will need to excel, Apprenticeships teach the skilled tradesperson.

· By requiring both On The Job and classroom training, we teach skills and a wider knowledge

What skills or education do you need to get into an apprenticeship?

· Each trade has different requirements.

· For Operating Engineers, as an example, you need a high school diploma or equivalent; Workkeys test scores and a driver’s license

· The application is different for each trade. There is usually an application period, followed by one or more interviews.

· The most important is finding something you are passionate about. If that is different than what you are doing now, or you are in school and you want to work outside/work with your hands/build things, no time like the present.

· One important thing to know is that it’s not about the skills you have coming in.

· Apprenticeship programs are built to teach the necessary skills, technology, and safety.

· If you have a good work ethic, and enthusiasm for these careers, we have built a support system to help you learn, grow, and succeed.

As the Executive Director of Operating Engineers 324 Labor Management Education Committee you have a lot of experience with apprenticeships. Can you tell me more about the apprenticeship opportunities offered by Operating Engineers 324?

· Operating Engineers 324 has two apprenticeship application periods coming up in June.

· For those interested in Construction as either a Heavy Equipment Operator or Technician, we are accepting applications from June 7 to June 11 on our website OE324.org.

· For those interested in an apprentice as a Stationary Engineer or HVAC Technician, we have an application period open from June 21 through June 25.

· That will also be available on our website, OE324.org

How does Michigan Works! assist with apprenticeships?

· Michigan Works! connects job seekers with pre-apprenticeship programs for youth and adults.

· They also connect employers with their Apprenticeship Success Coordinators to assist them with developing apprenticeship programs, registering apprenticeship programs with USDOL, and provide application screening and qualified applicant referrals.

How can our listeners learn more about the Michigan Works! Association and the Michigan Works! network?

· You can visit the Association website at michiganworks.org to learn more about the Association.

· On the Association website you will also find a map that will link you to the websites of each of our Michigan Works! organizations.