Several students studying with laptops around a table

Students

Category: Primary

  • Students

    Students

    you deserve a career you love

    Getting a traditional degree is not for everyone. It can be expensive and overwhelming. However, just because you don’t have a traditional 4-year degree does not mean that you don’t deserve to have a great career.

    Consider participating in a registered apprenticeship while in high school. You will gain real world experience while getting paid and will complete a program with a guaranteed job and no student loans!

    Berrien talent collaborative’s HIStory

    In 2023, a group of education, business and chamber leaders met to discuss Berrien County’s talent problem. They recognized that:

    • Businesses are unable to find and retain workers.
    • Families are facing financial barriers. They cannot afford to send their children to traditional four-year colleges/universities. Students do not want to incur debt.
    • Students who receive post-secondary training are entering the workforce under prepared and unable to meet the specific and unique standards of individual companies.
    • There is a misconception that Berrien County lacks career opportunities, making it a less desirable place to live. As a result of this meeting, the Berrien Talent Collaborative was created. The Berrien Talent Collaborative is a partnership aimed at developing an education to career pipeline, with a focus on registered apprenticeship training.

    benefits

    • You will earn high school credit while receiving advanced on-the-job training.
    • You will be paid for your time, earning an income while advancing your education.
    • You will learn industry-driven skills, helping you be more prepared for your career than what is often learned at traditional 4-year or university institutions.
    • In exchange for your education and training, you will be committed to working for the business after your apprenticeship for a specific number of years, guaranteeing your employment.
    • Many businesses that offer apprenticeship opportunities provide additional training opportunities, including financial assistance to earn your degree.
    Smiling college girl working at a desk with tablet

    PROCESS

    1

    Learn More

    Fill out our short form requesting more information.

    2

    Plan

    9th & 10th Grade

    Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your interests and how they could align with different careers.

    3

    Apply

    Spring of 11th Grade

    Apply for Youth Registered Apprenticeship (YRA) opportunities within Berrien County.

    4

    Interview

    Before 12th Grade

    The Berrien Talent Collaborative will match you with potential employers to interview with. If everyone agrees that it is a good fit, you are now an apprentice!

    EMPLOYERS

  • Schools

    Schools

    Many students writing at their desks in a large classroom

    Students deserve a career they love without going into debt.

    Of the total U.S. workforce, only 30% of the labor market requires employees to have a 4-year degree.*


    Getting a traditional degree is not for everyone. It can be expensive and overwhelming. However, just because a person doesn’t have a traditional 4-year degree does not mean that they don’t deserve to have a great career. Encourage students to participate in a registered apprenticeship while in high school. They will gain real world experience while getting paid and will complete a program with a guaranteed job and no student loans!

    *W.E. Upjohn Institute, 2023

    Berrien talent collaborative’s HIStory

    In 2023, a group of education, business and chamber leaders met to discuss Berrien County’s talent problem. They recognized that:

    • Businesses are unable to find and retain workers.
    • Families are facing financial barriers. They cannot afford to send their children to traditional four-year colleges/universities. Students do not want to incur debt.
    • Students who receive post-secondary training are entering the workforce under prepared and unable to meet the specific and unique standards of individual companies.
    • There is a misconception that Berrien County lacks career opportunities, making it a less desirable place to live. As a result of this meeting, the Berrien Talent Collaborative was created. The Berrien Talent Collaborative is a partnership aimed at developing an education to career pipeline, with a focus on registered apprenticeship training.

    benefits

    Students will earn high school credit and receive advanced on-the-job training at the same time.

    • They will be paid for their time, earning an income while advancing their education.
    • Students learn industry-driven skills, making them more prepared for their careers than what is often learned at traditional 4-year or university institutions.
    • Students will be committed to working for the business after their apprenticeship for a specific number of years, guaranteeing employment after graduating high school.
    • Many businesses that offer apprenticeship opportunities provide additional training opportunities, including financial assistance to the students to earn their degree.

    Fill out our short form to request more information if you’re interested in becoming a partnering high school of BTC.

    SCHOOLS

  • Partners

    Partners

    Two business people working on a laptop

    Employers need qualified talent. You can help.

    Investing in young people early is key for Berrien County’s economic future.
    Of the Berrien County students who graduated in 2022, 60% did not attend college or a trade school.*
    Why not develop their skills as Berrien County employees BEFORE they leave high school? Through this registered apprenticeship
    program, high school students can get the direct training needed to become this county’s next pharmacist, project manager, veterinary technician, software engineer, accountant, or logistics coordinator.

    *W.E. Upjohn Institute, 2023

    Berrien talent collaborative’s HIStory

    In 2023, a group of education, business and chamber leaders met to discuss Berrien County’s talent problem. They recognized that:

    • Businesses are unable to find and retain workers.
    • Families are facing financial barriers. They cannot afford to send their children to traditional four-year colleges/universities. Students do not want to incur debt.
    • Students who receive post-secondary training are entering the workforce under prepared and unable to meet the specific and unique standards of individual companies.
    • There is a misconception that Berrien County lacks career opportunities, making it a less desirable place to live. As a result of this meeting, the Berrien Talent Collaborative was created. The Berrien Talent Collaborative is a partnership aimed at developing an education to career pipeline, with a focus on registered apprenticeship training.

    benefits

    Registered apprenticeships through the Berrien Talent Collaborative will:

    • Partner directly with Lake Michigan College and school districts to influence training and customize coursework/subject matter to meet local business’ needs.
    • Provide students with a cost effective, high-quality set of skills to ensure lifelong success.
    • Produce talented graduates who have the skills and drive to meet your company’s needs.
    • Serve as a direct talent pipeline that will accelerate efforts to create a workforce of the future.

    Joining the Berrien Talent Collaborative as an economic partner is a long-term investment in Berrien County’s future. Fill out our short form to request more information if you’re interested in becoming an economic partner of BTC.

    Two business people high-fiving over a table with papers and laptop
  • Employers

    Employers

    Business woman with clipboard smiling at business man

    You have a labor issue.

    Untapped talent exists in Berrien County, you just need to know where to find it.
     Of the Berrien County students who graduated in 2022, 60% did not attend college or a trade school.*

    Do not let this talent pool go untapped! Through this registered apprenticeship program, high school students can get the direct training needed to become your next pharmacist, project manager, veterinary technician, software engineer, accountant, or logistics coordinator.

    *W.E. Upjohn Institute, 2023

    Berrien talent collaborative’s HIStory

    In 2023, a group of education, business and chamber leaders met to discuss Berrien County’s talent problem. They recognized that:

    • Businesses are unable to find and retain workers.
    • Families are facing financial barriers. They cannot afford to send their children to traditional four-year colleges/universities. Students do not want to incur debt.
    • Students who receive post-secondary training are entering the workforce under prepared and unable to meet the specific and unique standards of individual companies.
    • There is a misconception that Berrien County lacks career opportunities, making it a less desirable place to live. As a result of this meeting, the Berrien Talent Collaborative was created. The Berrien Talent Collaborative is a partnership aimed at developing an education to career pipeline, with a focus on registered apprenticeship training.

    Benefits

    Registered apprenticeships through the Berrien Talent Collaborative will:

    • Serve as a direct talent pipeline that will accelerate efforts to create a workforce of the future.
    • Partner directly with Lake Michigan College and school districts to influence training and customize coursework/subject matter to meet your specific business’ needs.
    • Provide students with a cost effective, high-quality set of skills to ensure lifelong success.
    • Produce talented graduates who have the skills and drive to meet your company’s needs.
    Group of business people standing in front of a building

    PROCESS

    1

    Learn More

    Let us know you’re interested in partnering with BTC by filling out a short form.

    2

    Partner with Us

    Complete and return a current W-9 form to Lake Michigan College to generate an employer account in our system.

    3

    Plan

    Build an Appendix A for each occupation in which you plan to offer an apprenticeship.

    4

    Interview

    The Berrien Talent Collaborative will match you with potential apprentices to interview with.

    More details >

    EMPLOYERS