Fast career training programs are opening doors for metro Detroit high school grads. These short-term, skills-based options lead directly into jobs in health care, tech and skilled trades.
We spoke with two local college leaders who help design and oversee these programs: Dr. Donald Hutchison, dean of engineering and advanced technology, and Dr. Narine Mirijanian, dean of health and public services at Macomb Community College.
They explain how fast-track training can help students start strong — right from high school.
Short-term career education: Key facts for families
- Short time commitment — Many programs finish in 6 months or less. Some take as little as 8 weeks
- Dual enrollment options — Students can start while still in high school
- Hands-on learning — Classes happen in real labs, clinics and training environments
- Apprenticeships — Students learn on the job and get paid, with no student debt
- Room to grow — A certificate now can lead to a degree later
What kind of careers are we talking about?
These programs lead to jobs that are actually hiring — right here in southeast Michigan.
“We work directly with advisory boards and employers so we know what skills are needed right now,” Hutchison says. “The programs we offer are based on what our local industries are asking for.”
Some examples:
- Welding technician
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Surgical technologist
- CNC machine operator
- Respiratory therapy assistant
- Robotics or controls technician
- Public safety and law enforcement careers
Many health care credentials take less than a year — and lead directly to jobs.
“We want them working fast so they can be sustainable, but we also want them to know all the possibilities,” Mirijanian says. “Sometimes students don’t pursue a field simply because they’ve never seen it up close.”
A new health care pre-apprenticeship launching this fall gives students a way in. It takes just four to six weeks and includes basic skills, innovative Stop the Bleed training and career prep.
Most programs also lead to state or national certifications — giving students a competitive edge and future flexibility.
Learn-and-earn opportunities for young adults
Some programs pay students to learn.
“They’re already employed while they’re going to school. They’re learning a skill that’s in demand, and they’re not incurring any debt,” Hutchison says.
For teens just out of high school, pre-apprenticeships offer a great first step.
Hutchison highlights Macomb’s MAT2 pre-apprenticeship — a semester-long program where students explore manufacturing or construction.
“It’s a way for students to test out whether a trade is a good fit before jumping into full employment or a formal apprenticeship,” he says.
Two local programs making a big impact
1 Navy-supported CNC and welding training
This 17-week course — funded by the U.S. Navy and called Michigan Maritime Manufacturing — trains students in CNC machining or welding. It’s intense: five days a week, eight hours a day. But graduates often get hired before the program ends.
“We just graduated our first class, and the majority already had job offers,” Hutchison says.
2 Updated criminal justice program with field experience
Macomb’s associate degree in criminal justice has recently been restructured with student outcomes and employer expectations in mind. The updated curriculum offers clearer tracks — including a police academy pathway — and aligns with current trends in the field.
“We’re looking into offering an internship opportunity,” Mirijanian says, “so students can do an internship with some of our police agencies.” The goal, she explains, is to help students gain firsthand experience before choosing their next step.
5 ways parents can help their teens explore their options
Not sure where to start? Here are five easy ways to help your teen explore what’s out there:
- Visit a local campus — Open houses are low-pressure and eye-opening
- Ask about dual enrollment — It’s available in many Michigan high schools
- Try a camp or summer academy — Especially helpful for STEM or health care
- Look into pre-apprenticeships — Some take just a few weeks to complete
- Talk about strengths — What does your teen enjoy doing with their hands or mind?
Final takeaway: More options, less pressure
College isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Short-term career programs can lead to real jobs — in months, not years. Whether your teen is curious about health care, manufacturing, public service or robotics, these options offer practical, local ways to get started.
Start the conversation now. Visit a campus. Ask questions. Because the more your teen sees what’s possible, the more confident they’ll be in taking that next step.
Learn more:
- Macomb Community College
- Oakland Community College
- Wayne County Community College District
- Washtenaw Community College
This content is sponsored by Michigan Education Savings Program. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Making Your Child’s College Dreams Come True.
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