Michigan's economy relies heavily on skilled trades. You can become skilled in carpentry, welding, cosmetology, health care, dental hygiene, information technology, masonry, auto tech, graphic design, pipe fitting, heating and cooling, and much more.
Most trades require certificates and or an associate's degree and extensive on the job training
You can enter into the skilled trades by either completing a occupation program at a community college or a trade school or you can contact the local union of that trade and apply for an apprenticeship. If you are in a RESA TEC program, you may already matriculate (earn) college credit for the classes you've already completed. Contact TEC for more info.
An education path usually through a union or a trade school (you will earn job certificates all the way up to a journeymen and/or an associate’s degree)
You will work for a company while getting paid and they have their own school to train you or they send you to a trade school/community college to be trained.
Apprenticeships are better than starting off as a minimum wage, entry-level laborer because you will have high qualifications and better pay.
How to become an apprentice:
Find the local union for the trade you’re interested in-most unions are not very tech savvy so there may not be a lot of info on the website or they may not even have a website. You’ll probably have to call to ask for information on apprenticeships.
Call and ask them what you need to do to get an apprenticeship and what the requirements are. Ask if they will train you or if you need to enroll in college classes and they want you to apply. That’s why it’s important to do the FAFSA on time because they may not pay for all of your classes!
If there is no union for the trade you want to do as is the case for some trades like cosmetology or auto, call a local employer in that trade and ask what steps you should take to become qualified. They will probably direct you to a trade school or community college, but call first! Also, do your FAFSA!