May 25, 2022

In an effort to educate students about career opportunities in manufacturing, Delta College is supporting a new mentorship program that pairs students with professionals in the industry.

The program, Young Mfg Mentors, is organized by the Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association (GLBMA). It is designed to encourage students ages 16 to 35 years to explore career paths and to keep talent in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Delta will sponsor the first 25 students who enroll. The program, which kicks off in August, will match students with professionals in the industry who will serve as mentors. Participants will attend plant tours, networking events and other social events throughout the year.

Harvey Schneider, manager of Delta’s technical programs, said now more than ever, the job outlook for skilled trades professionals is very promising.

“As more baby boomers begin to retire, there is a generational gap to fill in the workforce and often, companies don’t have enough people to fill those jobs,” Schneider said. “This program will help raise awareness about opportunities in manufacturing and broaden the number of apprenticeships in the area.”

Students can apply to become a mentee at glbma.org/young-mfg-mentors.

GLBMA was established in 1912 as a land bank to bring manufacturing to the region as the sawmills were running out of lumber and moving from the area. Today, GLBMA stands as the voice of manufacturing in the region and educates students about the industry. For more information, contact Tanya Blehm at 989-964-2881 or tlblehm@svsu.edu.

In total, Delta offers 24 skilled trades associate degree or certificate programs, and many include the option of an apprenticeship. Individuals who attend Delta train in state-of-the-art lab spaces and classrooms with high-quality equipment and expert faculty.

Registration is open for the fall 2022 and winter 2023 semesters. The fall semester begins August 27. Learn more at delta.edu/admissions.

Written by Leah Twilley, Communications Specialist.