Manufacturing Day at WCC showcases high-demand jobs, educational pathways for high school students

Chamber Member Press Release




ANN ARBOR, Michigan (October 1, 2026) – Washtenaw Community College (WCC) will host about 180 students from area high schools Friday, October 2, for Manufacturing Day activities.

 

Students will spend half a day in morning and afternoon visits touring the college’s CNC, Robotics, Engineering Technology and Welding labs, as well as meeting with local employers.

 

Manufacturing Day is designed to expose students to high-demand careers and the education and training pathways required for them.

 

Over the next decade, U.S. manufacturers will need as many as 3.8 million new workers, according to The Manufacturing Institute.

 

The visits are coordinated through the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, with students attending from Career & Technical Education programs from high schools across the county, including Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Manchester, Saline and Ypsilanti.

 

The college has joined hands with industry partners on apprenticeship programs that allow students to simultaneously work and attend school.

 

Among apprenticeship opportunities is the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program. Throughout the five-semester program, student-apprentices complete 1,800 hours of paid hands-on training at partnering industries and spend two days a week each semester in classes at WCC.

 

Additionally, WCC serves as the educational partner for apprenticeship programs with several local companies and is also available to serve as a Group Sponsor for U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

 

 

APPRENTICESHP & MANUFACTURING at WCC

WCC’s Office of Apprenticeship works with local industry partners often to develop new programs in a variety of occupations. Contact apprenticeship@wccnet.edu or call 734-677-5221.

 

 

 

About Washtenaw Community College 

Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been opening doors to success for students and the community for 60 years, providing education and training in a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as liberal arts, health care, business, STEM, advanced transportation and mobility. WCC offers accelerated and online programs to meet student needs. The college also works through community, business and union partnerships to develop specialized training programs to meet the region’s workforce needs.

For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit www.wccnet.edu.

 

Manufacturing Day at WCC showcases high-demand jobs, educational pathways for high school students