Fast-track Michigan Maritime Manufacturing training launches at Macomb Community College

Maritime skilled trades program positions residents for jobs with futures while rebuilding the nation’s maritime industrial base workforce

Today, 24 students began a 17-week, accelerated training program at Macomb Community College in either maritime CNC or welding, launching the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative’s Accelerated Training Industry Partnership. Through a $15.4 million Navy investment in the college, Macomb has created a state-of-the art maritime skilled trades training center, and will fund the training for 384 individuals through early 2027.  M3 is designed to address the urgent demand for skilled labor in the submarine industrial base, supporting the Navy’s strategic needs and national security.

"This partnership exemplifies our commitment to rebuilding America's maritime manufacturing workforce," said Rear Adm. Peter Small, deputy commander for Ship Design, Engineering and Logistics for Naval Sea Systems Command, at an event on Friday, Nov. 8, introducing local defense industry partners with the new training center and programs. "By leveraging Michigan's manufacturing expertise and Macomb's proven training capabilities, we're creating a direct pipeline of talent tailored for the demands of our Navy and nation."

A portion of Macomb’s Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) in Warren, the college’s headquarters for engineering and advanced manufacturing workforce development, has been transformed into a center for maritime skilled trades training. This included the installation 24 new CNC machines, 12 lathe and 12 mill, as well as 24 new welding booths and 36 welders – 12 MIG, 12 TIG and 12 Stick. 

Both the accelerated CNC and welding programs are a full-time commitment for 17 weeks, running Monday through Friday, with both morning and afternoon start times.  While the 600-hour program encompasses classroom instruction, hands-on training is emphasized. Program graduates will be prepared to earn industry certifications such as those from the American Welding Society (AWS) and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), and positioned for one of the nearly 13,0000 jobs currently available locally. 

All class and supply costs are covered for those accepted into either program. For information about the accelerated programs in maritime CNC or welding, go to www.macomb.edu/M3 or email M3@macomb.

“Our partnership with the Navy provides residents with the opportunity to complete free training that will qualify them for rewarding, well-paying and in-demand jobs right here in metro Detroit,” said
James O. Sawyer IV, president, Macomb Community College. “The effort will also help develop a deep talent pool for our local defense contractors, sustaining and growing local industry, while supporting critical national security needs.”

The accelerated industry training partnership is part of a broader M3 initiative, announced at Macomb Community College’s South Campus in July by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. The M3 initiative represents an investment exceeding $50 million in Michigan’s maritime manufacturing future to help meet the Navy’s need for thousands of new workers across Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu