Students train in welding and CNC fast through M3
Friday, November 21, 2025 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
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The Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) provides a fast track to employment to in-demand welding and CNC jobs.
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M3 offers unique benefits, setting it apart from other welding and CNC programs, such as 1:1 student - equipment ratio, robust job placement assistance, and more.
The manufacturing industry is rapidly evolving. As seasoned workers retire and new technologies reshape production, a wave of opportunity is emerging for “new-collar” professionals - individuals who blend hands-on trade skills with modern technology.
In Michigan, manufacturing is often associated with the automotive industry. However, the state is also home to a powerful network of government and military contract manufacturing.
That’s where the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) program comes in – creating an exciting, fast-moving pathway to those ready to launch their careers in today’s advanced manufacturing workforce.
What is the M3 Program?
M3 is an initiative supported by the U.S. Navy, the state of Michigan and Macomb County that provides fast, accessible and no-cost training for those pursuing careers in welding or CNC machining.
“My experience before I got here was nothing,” said Odeasia Williams, a graduate of the M3 welding program. “However, I have learned and grown. In five months, I have gone from not knowing how to grind, to torching and welding every facet there is to weld.”
How is M3 different from other welding or CNC programs?
The M3 program delivers a pace and intensity that few training programs can match. Designed to build real skills quickly, M3 immerses students in hands-on learning from day one. compared to other programs.
Students in the M3 program:
- Attend Monday through Friday for 40 hours a week
- Work with a 1:1 student to equipment ratio
- Spend the majority of class time gaining hands-on experience
- Complete the full program in less than five months
Combined, these elements create a powerful and effective learning environment that prepares students for real-world work in a remarkably short timeframe. “It's a fast-learning pace, a lot of hands-on experience. Most of the time you're out here on the machine. But I think the instructors do a good job at teaching that and everything,” said Jonathan Redwick, who graduated as a CNC machinist from the program earlier this year.
Another standout feature of M3 is its robust job placement assistance. Thanks to the college’s strong connections with manufacturers across Michigan, staff actively support students as they approach graduation - helping them secure employment so they can enter the workforce immediately. This was the case for Odeasia, Jonathan and Noor Alsaigh.
“I came into this, I didn't know anything at all. I didn't know what CNC stood for, to be honest with you. Seventeen weeks later, I landed myself a great job, and I learned so much,” Noor said. “As long as you're looking to learn and you're looking to really break into a career field that continues to grow and is in demand, I highly suggest it.”
If you or someone you know is interested in the M3 program, you can contact via email M3@macomb.edu or call 586.445.7120 to learn more.
You can also attend an information session that are held regularly. To register for a session, please fill out the M3 Information Session Registration form.