One Small Career Step Equals Big Payoff: OCC’s Short-Term Training Programs Provide A Lifeline For Students

Dhanush worked as a member assistant at Sam’s Club. His goal was to become a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) as a first step to building clinical hours toward his future goal of pursuing medical school. He determined that enrolling in the Certified Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician program at OCC was the best path to start reaching that goal. He’s currently working at Holt Senior Care and Rehab Center as a CNA. In 2024, there were 1,321 job postings for Certified Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Technicians in Oakland County, reflecting strong demand for these roles. These positions also offer stable earnings, with a median wage of $18.83 per hour (Workforce Intelligence Network, 2024).

 

Breia started attending OCC, but life sped up for the single mother of two. After taking some time off, she wanted to continue pursuing a job in the CNC field. Once she finished the 5-week CNC Machine Operator program, Breia was quickly hired by her dream company as a Deburr Tech. Later that same year, she enrolled in more classes at OCC for the apprenticeship program. In 2024, CNC Machine Operator positions were in demand, with 357 job postings in Oakland County. These roles also offer strong earning potential, with a median wage of $24.10 per hour (Workforce Intelligence Network, 2024).

LaKeta was working as a coordinator for her church and always had an interest in IT. While she didn’t have any previous formal training, she loved problem-solving and had built a computer at home with her son. She went through the 10-week Computer Support Technician program. Upon completion, she started a job as a Helpdesk Analyst. In 2024, there were 1,415 job postings for Computer User Support Technicians in the region, making it one of the most in-demand fields. These positions also offer competitive wages, with a median pay of $28.27 per hour (Workforce Intelligence Network, 2024).

Shawn graduated high school without knowing what he wanted to do with his life. He didn’t plan for the traditional college route, so instead, he chose OCC’s 14-week PLC and Robotic Technician program. After completing the training, he was hired as an automation engineer with GLOBAL Automation Technologies. The demand for PLC and Robotic Technicians remains strong, with 185 job postings in Oakland County in 2024. These positions also provide above-average pay, with a median wage of $29.85 per hour (Workforce Intelligence Network, 2024).

Short-term Training Programs

Most students pursuing the training are unemployed or underemployed.  Many OCC of the short-term training programs have funding available through Oakland County Michigan Works!, and students also have the option to pay for the cost of training on their own. Funding eligibility factors may apply and vary depending on the program. OCC offers 10 short-training training programs in a variety of fields, including:

1. Certified Nursing Aide/Patient Care Technician
2. CNC Machine Operator
3. Computer Support Technician
4. Dental Assistant
5. Digital Content Developer Technician
6. Electric Vehicle Technician
7. Logistics Technician
8. Mammography Technologist
9. PLC & Robotic Technician
10. Sterile Processing Technician

Structure of the Training Programs

The curriculum for each program focuses on a handful of courses centered around that particular career path. All of these programs are intended to quickly give students the tools and knowledge needed to help land an entry-level job in the specific field. Plus, learn key skills like resume writing, interviewing techniques, and creating a LinkedIn profile to help you land the job.

Additionally, OCC works on developing and establishing relationships with employers in the local Detroit area who are hiring for these in-demand entry-level careers. Students participate in a handful of employer engagement activities during the training. Specific activities vary by program but could include touring clinical sites, manufacturing plants, or workplaces; classroom presentations by guest speakers; job shadowing; or resume sharing. Each program also hosts an interview day during the last week of the training where employers conduct brief interviews with each student to determine if there is an opportunity to either hire for an open position or call the student for a second interview.

Personalized Support

Each program caps the enrollment at 15 students, which allows students to receive personalized training and support from OCC instructors. OCC also provides excellent student services to help with any unexpected bumps along the way.

Collaboration between OCC Student Services departments, Michigan Works!, and the community offers resources and help to those in need. For example, resources are available with OCC’s Career Services to help students in their job search, including using the College’s job searching online tool Handshake, attending events on getting a job, and scheduling meetings with the Career Services staff for more personalized help in finding a job.

Start Your Journey Now!

If you’re ready to Start your Someday, connect with the Economic & Workforce Development at wfdev@oaklandcc.edu or complete the interest form on the training web page. Information sessions are continuously running and start dates are listed on each training program web page.

If you live outside of Oakland County but want to start a new training program or career, visit your Michigan Works! Agency to learn more.