College, Career Exploration & Apprenticeships

November 14, 2022 - November 18, 2022 applications for the ALBAT Traffic Signal Apprenticeship Program will be open in NBEW Local Union 17 jurisdiction.  

Applications will only be available throught the ALBAT website at www.albat.org during the dates listed above.  Please be aware the site is on eastern time.  

All applicants must provide the following in order to meet minimum qualifications for apprenticeship:

• Complete application form

• $25.00 application fee (nonrefundable)   

• Minimum of 18 years of age

• Education background (provide all that apply)

  • High School Diploma or

  • GED certificate

• Proof of valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with air brakes, or copy of valid driver's license with copy Class A Commercial Driver's License Temporary Permit with air brakes.  

  • Date of birth and expiration date must be visible

  • License or Temporary Permit must be valid at time of interview

• Resume indicating present and previous employers, if any.

• DD-214 to verify military training and/or experience if you are a veteran

• Legal to work in the United States

• Provide a valid social security number

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the ALBAT office. 

MAT2 Apprentice Benefits:

• Earn while you learn & gain a debt-free AAS degree at Henry Ford College or Macomb Community College
• 3 years of coordinated school and work
• Apply skills learned at school to real-world situations
• 2-year job guarantee upon successful completion

Feel free to contact us if you want to schedule an in-person or virtual presentation on the opportunities of the MAT2 Apprenticeship Program!

National apprenticeship week

If you are thinking about a possible career in the trades, the current opportunities are plentiful!  In addition to what is listed below, be sure to check out opportunities at Macomb Community College, their MAP+ program and M-TEC.  We will have more info in the fall, and most of what you will need to do will be during senior year, but check these out so you can begin to learn what is out there. 

• MI Road 2 Work - Info on apprenticeships - the other 4 year degree.  Like to work with your hands? Want a good career you enjoy with zero debt? This site is worth checking out!  How to apply, requirements, and who to contact about apprenticeships in 24 different areas of work.

• MUST Construction Careers - Info on apprenticeships in the trades - similar to the website above.  How to apply, requirements, and who to contact, plus job descriptions, videos in 23 different areas of work.

• US Registered Apprenticeships - Explore careers and find training, as well as a job search tool in the trades.  This site also includes info for adult job seekers!  Sponsored by US Dept. of Labor. 

• MIAT College of Technology - Local school with opportunities in aircraft maintenance, airframe and powerplant, HVAC, and energy programs, including wind energy.  Direct connections to Detroit Metro airport, and lots of good opportunities.  Short program completion times as compared to a University.  

• US Dept. of Labor - Find opportunities for apprenticeships

•  Michigan Apprenticeship Program Plus (MAP+) may be just the program for you!  MAP+ steps & deadlines. 

Other helpful links that may provide information on this career path:

My Next Move

Macomb Community College

Dear Michigan Parent,

Your son or daughter is faced with considering career paths that could shape his or her future. Like many parents around Michigan, you may consider a four-year college program to be the best next step. With a wide variety of outstanding Michigan universities and four-year programs to choose from, it’s easy to understand.

Before you make any final decision, you should also consider all of the possibilities that can be found in today’s skilled trades. Well beyond its historic perception of simple physical labor, today’s skilled trades offer a variety of career paths that will both challenge and reward your son or daughter.

Career options could include becoming a programmer, a registered nurse, an operating engineer or even an industrial machinery mechanic. Like the thousands of career opportunities found at Going-PRO.com, today’s skilled trades offer more desirable careers in new and emerging fields.

And they can be pursued with varying levels of post-high school education and training, with many requiring less time and debt than a traditional four-year college program.
Plus, with approximately 15,000 new skilled trades openings expected every year in Michigan through 2024, and an annual median salary of over $51,000, your son or daughter could be starting a career and making good money in no time.

We encourage you to visit Going-PRO, and hope it’s part of a consideration process that leads to a very bright future.

Best Regards,
Roger Curtis
Director of the Department of Talent and Economic Development

Brian J. Whiston
State Superintendent