Free Michigan program offers 13 college credits in one semester

Thirteen college credits and an Industrial Readiness Certificate can be earned in a single semester at no cost through the Michigan Apprenticeship Program Plus, or MAP+. Macomb Community College is set to host an information session for the program on Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. The event will take place in Room 191 of the T Building on the college’s South Campus in Warren.

The initiative targets individuals preparing for entry-level careers in advanced manufacturing or construction. Participants complete technical coursework alongside career readiness seminars. These seminars cover time management, critical thinking, resume development, and interview skills. At the conclusion of the semester, the program hosts an employer networking event where local companies interview students for skilled trade positions.

Mark Jewett, associate dean of Engineering and Advanced Technology at Macomb Community College, described the program as a no-cost on-ramp to careers in manufacturing and construction. He noted that students earn college credit and receive hands-on training in skills employers currently need. "At the end of the program, they meet with local employers who are ready to hire," Jewett said. He added that the opportunity suits high school seniors planning their next steps or adults seeking a career change.

Each cohort of the MAP+ program has 22 available spots. Prospective applicants must submit a completed application along with high school or college transcripts. Applicants also need to provide SAT scores or ACT WorkKeys scores. If an applicant has not previously completed an assessment, the college will arrange a no-cost WorkKeys assessment after receiving the application.

The information session on Nov. 11 will detail the specific courses in the MAP+ curriculum and provide instructions for the application process. Submissions for the winter 2027 semester are due by Nov. 20. Individuals who cannot attend the in-person session may request program details and an application by contacting MAP+ at map_plus@macomb.edu.

Macomb Community College states it grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan. The college operates as the state's largest community institution. It provides programming for a range of demographics, including early college options for high school students, university transfer paths, and workforce education for adults.