Since January 2022, the Genesee Career Institute (GCI) has been offering adults free, hands-on training that leads to well-paying jobs in high-demand career fields. The program is designed for those who are at least 18 years old and currently enrolled and actively participating in a Michigan Region 6 Adult Education Program.
“The program is designed for students to obtain an industry-recognized credential while also working toward their diploma or GED,” says Megan Berry, Adult Education Career Navigator at GCI. “If someone doesn’t have their high school diploma or GED, then we can refer them to a program for enrollment.” Funded by a State of Michigan grant, the program offers classes free of charge to eligible participants.
GCI provides two sessions per year for each class, with each session requiring 80 hours to complete. Classes run two to three days a week for 3-4 hours, finishing in 10-12 weeks. All classes are held in person at the Genesee Career Institute located at 5081 Torrey Rd. in Flint.
John M., works on Electrical Wiring during a Fall 2023 class.
GCI instructors hold Michigan vocation certifications in their respective fields and have a minimum of 4,000 recent and relevant hours of work experience. Most instructors also teach high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) students during the day at GCI. Upon completing their training, students are eligible to test for industry-recognized credentials, with a high rate of exam passers.
The available credentials by program include:
- Certified Nursing Assistant: Offers CPR certification and testing for the State CNA Certification Exam
- Auto Repair: SP2 Safety Training and ASE Entry-level exams
- Welding: Tooling U Safety Training and AWS Sense Level 1 exams
- Construction: OSHA 10-hour safety and NCCER Core Exam
- Electrical Wiring: OSHA 10-hour safety and NCCER Core Exam
“Participants in the Skills to Earn program benefit from a dedicated Career Navigator who connects them with local employers,” Berry states. This navigator works with GST Michigan Works! to identify businesses actively hiring in fields related to the students’ training. Employers often engage directly with students during class sessions to discuss job opportunities, and students are encouraged to attend Career Fairs at GCI for additional networking. GST Michigan Works! also provides soft skills workshops and personalized resume assistance to support students in their job searches.
GCI partners with Mott Community College to help students plan their educational journey beyond earning their diploma or GED. “Representatives from Mott engage with students to discuss various degree and certificate options, as well as scholarship and grant opportunities, making higher education more accessible and affordable,” Berry adds.
Classes are held in the afternoons or evenings for 3-4 hours a day, 2-3 days per week. Many students manage to work while attending classes, with employers often accommodating their schedules. The courses are completed in 12 weeks or less, allowing for quick progression into the workforce.
A Success Story
John M., a dedicated student in the Electrical Wiring class during Fall 2023, attended Academy West Adult Education in Flint to complete his high school diploma simultaneously. He successfully completed both the Electrical Wiring program and his high school classes in December. In May, John participated in Academy West’s graduation ceremony, delivered the commencement speech, and was awarded a college scholarship from GECS by the staff.
During his time at GCI, John actively engaged with employers and representatives from Mott Community College, which helped him plan his future. He enrolled in classes at Mott for the winter semester and began an Electrical Apprenticeship with Tradesmen International in April. John completed his summer courses at Mott and is currently working on an electrical project in Southfield.
Reflecting on his journey, John expressed his gratitude: “I appreciate you, Mr. Clark (Electrical Wiring Instructor), and the entire Academy West staff for helping me change my life around. Just a year ago, I wouldn’t have even thought about going back to school along with picking up a skill, and now I’ve completed high school and a semester of college all within a matter of seven months.”
About Genesee Career Institute
GCI provides instruction and experiential learning in many career areas that help prepare Genesee County students for immediate entry into the workforce, upon completion of high school and the GCI program. The Institute also offers excellent opportunities for students to gain advanced exposure to knowledge and skill sets in preparation for moving on to post-secondary education in their chosen field, and can even lead to college credit for courses taken at GCI.
