Local students gain industry skills through new apprenticeship program

Three students from Bay City have just completed a unique training program that blends school learning with real workplace experience. For the first time in the area, the Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District’s Biomedical & Forensic Science Program handed out Michigan Apprenticeship Recognition Certificates to high schoolers who spent months working alongside professionals. The program is a joint effort with Hemlock Semiconductor and state labor officials, aiming to build local talent in technical fields. Instead of sitting in classrooms all day, the students trained as clean room technicians, handling lab work at Hemlock Semiconductor. This hands-on approach lets them pick up industry skills faster than traditional learning methods. The certificates they earned—MARC Level 1 and Level 2—show their progress in a registered apprenticeship, a system that mixes on-the-job training with classroom lessons. It’s a model that’s gaining traction across Michigan as a way to prepare workers for high-demand jobs.

The program isn’t just about teaching students—it’s also about helping employers find skilled workers. By partnering with schools, companies like Hemlock Semiconductor can shape their future workforce early. State officials see this as a key way to keep Michigan competitive in industries like tech and manufacturing. The state has been pushing apprenticeships as a smarter way to train people, combining mentorship with practical experience. For one student, Ava Szekely, the program changed her career plans entirely. Before joining, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after graduation. Now, she’s set on becoming a pathologist, thanks to the hands-on experience she gained. Her story highlights how apprenticeships can give students direction and confidence in their career choices. The other two students recognized in the program, Chloe Houghteling and Ayanna Gray, also walked away with valuable skills. Their journey shows how apprenticeships can open doors for young people who might not thrive in a traditional school setting. With the demand for technical workers rising, programs like this could be a game-changer for students and employers alike.

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