Apprenticeship Readiness Makes a MARC on Talent Pipeline

For more than 50 years, high school students at Kent Career Tech Center have gotten a jump on college and career through their hands-on Career and Technical Education programs. Now, students can also get an invaluable start on a Registered Apprenticeship.

More than 50 educators, business leaders, registered apprentices and workforce development professionals wanting to learn more gathered at Kent ISD Conference Center on October 24 for Race 2 Talent™ event, hosted by West Michigan Works! in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).

The event celebrated Pre-Apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), including two connected to Kent Career Tech Center.

“So far, 20 Tech Center students in Auto Tech and Mechatronics have completed a MARC program,” said work-based learning coordinator for Kent ISD Gregg Isenhoff. “We are excited to keep this momentum going and bring these real-world experiences linked to employment to more students as this program expands.”

Two former KCTC students, Ben, a Fox Motors registered apprentice, and Arien, a Royal Technologies registered apprentice, spoke at the event sharing the value this program provided for them in finding and securing meaningful careers within their industries. 

Their employers were also recognized as Registered Apprenticeship Champions for their exemplary use of RAPs and commitment to expanding access. Fox Motors was recognized for its innovative approach to developing talent in the automotive sector. Royal Technologies was awarded for its scalable and inclusive RAP pathways in advanced manufacturing.

“We are thrilled to partner with Michigan Works!, Fox Motors and Royal Technologies to expand real work experiences for students at Kent Career Tech Center. Students from the Tech Center’s Automotive Technology and Mechatronics programs who have taken part in the pre-Apprenticeship program have gained high-tech skills, experience, and work hours to apply to a full Registered Apprenticeship Program to advance their career path,” said Sue Gardner, Assistant Superintendent of Career and Talent Development, Kent ISD. “We’ll continue to share these experiences with more students and help them make meaningful career connections.”