Veterans and unemployed, dislocated and underemployed workers can qualify for free Defense Industry Training at several area colleges, including Schoolcraft College, through a grant from the Department of Labor. Two sessions begin in November, CNC Operator and Business Communications After Being Downsized. More sessions are scheduled to begin in January, 2012.

Members of the Southeast Michigan Community College Consortium (SMC3), which include Schoolcraft College, Henry Ford Community College, Monroe County Community College, St. Clair Community College and Macomb County Community College, each are offering different training opportunities.

Those who qualify must first register with the MichiganWorks Talent Bank.  Programs currently being offered by all the members of the SMC3 can be found at www.macomb.edu/DefenseTraining. This list is  updated frequently, so it is recommended that those who are interested check back regularly for new information and course offerings. Registration procedures for each class may be different depending on the nature of the class and the institution hosting the training. For more information on Schoolcraft College's offerings (listed below) and eligibility email ajones2@schoolcraft.edu or call 734-462-4595. To register for classes email abcronin@schoolcraft.edu or call 734-462-4438.

Schoolcraft College is offering the following trainings in November:

Business Communications After Being Downsized - November 7 - 11, 2011; 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily - This course teaches participants how to communicate effectively, strengthen interpersonal relationships, tap unrecognized potential, manage stress and handle fast‐changing workplace conditions. People develop a take‐charge attitude that allows them to initiate with confidence and enthusiasm. This class will also give participants the confidence and skills needed to stand at the front of the line of consideration when applying for a job.

CNC Operator - Begins November 14, 2011; 8 a.m. - noon, Monday- Thursday for five weeks - Students will be introduced to the operation of the CNC Mill through the use of the basic fundamental of “G” codes and “M” codes. Machine and tool set up will also be covered. Class participants will make several small projects on the CNC machines. These machines are used in today’s industrial manufacturing plants.

CNC Programmer - Begins January 16, 2012; 8 a.m. - noon, Monday - Thursday for five weeks - This course will cover CNC machining as well as the advanced functions of the controller. All machine‐based operational aspects of the CNC machine used in industrial manufacturing plants will be covered. This course will provide a more advanced machining experience.

Project Management Essentials and Exam Preparation - Begins January 30, 2012; Monday 6 - 9:40 p.m. for 10 weeks -
This course provides essential knowledge about project management and exam preparation. Topics include management of integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement. This course provides tools and techniques for initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing projects. It also includes group practice exercises and discussion of PMP and CAPM exam preparation questions. For more information http://www.schoolcraft.edu/cepd/pmp/

Courses that will be offered in the near future include:

Shielded Metallic Arc Welding (SMAW)
Theory and fundamentals of oxy/fuel cutting, welding, braze welding, shielded metal arc welding, joining and fabricating will be explored. Emphasis will be on basic welding skills, filler metals and techniques for using different welding rods. Welding machine set up and oxy/fuel welding equipment set up will be practiced extensively to insure good sound safety habits. Safety in all welding applications will be explained and students will be required to pass safety evaluations. This course will establish good sound work habits and provide a foundation for more advanced courses.

Gas Metallic Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
Theory and fundamentals of gas metallic arc welding (GMAW), commonly known as metal inert gas (MIG) welding, will be explored. This method of fusion of metals is widely used and is the fastest growing segment of the metal working industry. Emphasis will be on basic skill development and the establishment of sound work habits. The course is designed to provide entry level employability and a solid foundation for more advanced courses.

Gas Tungsten Inert Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
Theory and fundamentals of gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), commonly known as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, will be explored. This method of metal fusion is capable of producing very high quality welds in virtually all metals. It is also one of the few methods of welding “difficult” to meld metals. The course is designed to provide entry level employability and a solid foundation for more advanced courses.