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Office of Apprenticeships

What's New

Logo for National Apprenticeship Week, April 26 to May 2, 2026On April 27, 2026, Kalamazoo Valley Community College (Valley) hosted a Community Leadership Luncheon, bringing together regional leaders to showcase the college's comprehensive student development services and workforce development initiatives. The luncheon provided community leaders with insight into the wide array of services Valley offers to support student success—from outreach to alumni programs, and beyond.

Attendees learned how these services create a supportive ecosystem that helps individuals achieve their educational and career goals while meeting the evolving needs of today's economy.

Valley's Office of Apprenticeships and Prior Learning used the opportunity to showcase their work with U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and State Agency Registered Apprenticeships, during National Apprenticeship week (April 26 – May 2nd). The office also highlighted Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities through the Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate, which prepares individuals with foundational skills needed to succeed in Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs.

Additionally, this event served as an important call to partnership. The presenters made a direct ask of community leaders to help expand these opportunities by sharing them with employees, community citizens, and colleagues. The success of our students services and workforce development programs depends on strong partnerships between educational institutions, employers, and community organizations.

The Community Leadership Luncheon exemplified Valley’s commitment to community engagement and workforce development. We invite all community members to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities at Valley by calling 269.488.4873 or emailing apprenticeships@kvcc.edu.

A medium shot captures a speaker at a podium addressing an audience during the Community Leadership Luncheon at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The speaker, a woman in a green-and-white striped blazer, stands on a slightly raised stage to the left, facing the audience and gesturing as she speaks. A blue and white banner stands next to her, matching the podium, which features the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo. Behind her, a large projection screen displays the title A medium shot captures a speaker at a podium addressing an audience. The speaker, a woman in a green-and-white striped blazer, stands on a slightly raised stage to the left, facing the audience and gesturing as she speaks. Seated in the foreground, with their backs to the camera, are several audience members at round black tables.


What is an apprenticeship?

  • An employer sponsored program.
  • A custom designed program offered to business and industry to provide employees with the necessary technical and academic skills.
  • Structured training which includes on-the-job learning combined with classroom instruction.
  • Paid employment, employees earn a salary from day one that increases as they gain proficiency.
  • Mentorship, supervision and guidance from experienced journey-workers or professionals.
  • Debt-free pathway to high-paying careers.
  • A quality instruction program and proven “earn-while-you-learn” model.

Apprenticeship Key Components and Employer Benefits:


Key components...

  • Employer must be a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) through US Department of Labor (USDOL) or State Agency.
  • Apprentice must be employed by a sponsoring company.
  • Apprentice must be enrolled in an academic training program.
  • Apprentice receives portable Certificate of Completion from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.

The employer benefits...

  • Improved employee performance through targeted training.
  • Reduce employee turnover and recruitment costs.
  • Develop job-specific skills that match business needs.
  • Prepare future leaders through knowledge sharing.
  • Stay current with technology and industry changes.

Your Partner in Workforce Excellence

Since 1974, Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) has maintained a distinguished record as an institution of training and acting intermediary for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), serving regional employers across multiple industry sectors.

Kalamazoo Valley’s apprenticeship programs operate under the authority of U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, and the Michigan State Department of Education.

Our service to the employer includes...

  • Ensure compliance with Federal and state apprenticeship registration and compliance management.
  • Curriculum customization aligned with employer competency requirements.
  • Connecting students to careers through Michigan Apprenticeship Career Readiness (MARC) pre-apprenticeship programs leading to Registered Apprenticeships (RAs).
  • Provide state-of-the-art facilities, including the Advanced Technology Center (ATC).
  • Student enrollment support and technical advising.
  • Comprehensive monitoring of programs and student progress from registration to completion.
  • Deliver instruction through industry-experienced faculty.
  • Offer stackable credentials for faster career advancement.
  • Award Certificate of Achievement from Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Industries offered as Apprenticeships through Kalamazoo Valley Community College...

  • Construction Trades
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Trades
  • Education
  • Computer Information Technology
  • Healthcare
  • Business

If you’re Interested in starting an apprenticeship program or developing customized training for your organization. Contact the Office of Apprenticeships and Prior Learning Assessments.

Phone: 269-488-4873
Email: Lbrooks@kvcc.edu
Learn More: Michigan Apprenticeship Programs