Report on the Upper Peninsula Articulation Agreement: Advancing Union Apprenticeship Learning through Higher Education

Introduction

On Wednesday, leaders from Michigan’s education, labor, and workforce development sectors convened at Bay College in Escanaba to announce a significant advancement in aligning union apprenticeship programs with higher education. This initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Overview of the Upper Peninsula Articulation Agreement

The signing of the Upper Peninsula Articulation Agreement represents a pioneering effort to award advanced college credit to registered apprentices in union construction trades. This agreement, formalized during a news conference at Bay College, establishes a new benchmark for recognizing the rigor and relevance of apprenticeship programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.

1. Apprentices who complete registered programs will receive advanced standing toward an associate degree from Bay College.
2. Only 15 general education credits remain for apprentices to complete their degree.
3. Bay College operates campuses in Escanaba and Iron Mountain, facilitating access to education across the region.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

• Dr. Nerita Hughes, President of Bay College: Emphasized the value of union apprentices’ skills and training, highlighting the agreement as a meaningful bridge between hands-on career training and academic achievement.
• Susan Corbin, Director of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity: Stressed the importance of recognizing apprenticeship training through college credits, which enhances access to good-paying careers and addresses the projected 45,000 professional trades openings by 2030 in Michigan.
• Marty Fittante, CEO of Invest UP: Highlighted the agreement as a strategic investment in the Upper Peninsula’s economic future, strengthening the talent pipeline and fostering regional competitiveness through cross-sector collaboration.
• Mike Smith, Executive Director of Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC): Affirmed the rigorous nature of union apprenticeship training and the benefits of earning college credit for workers, employers, and the regional economy.
• Steve Claywell, President of Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council (MBCTC): Recognized the formal acknowledgment of high-level training as education, not merely job training.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: The agreement facilitates inclusive and equitable quality education by integrating apprenticeship learning with higher education credentials.
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: By providing college credit for apprenticeship programs, the initiative promotes sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment opportunities.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration among educational institutions, labor unions, government agencies, and economic organizations exemplifies effective multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Impact and Future Directions

The Upper Peninsula Articulation Agreement is part of a broader movement to incorporate industry-driven training into the higher education framework. This integration enables skilled tradespeople to:

• Earn academic degrees without duplicating training efforts.
• Advance their careers through recognized educational pathways.
• Access continuous learning opportunities that support lifelong education.

The event concluded with a buffet lunch and networking session, fostering dialogue on expanding the initiative and exploring future collaborations.

Conclusion

The Upper Peninsula Articulation Agreement sets a precedent for recognizing union apprenticeship programs as rigorous educational pathways, aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative not only benefits apprentices and employers but also contributes to the economic and social development of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula region.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on aligning union apprenticeship programs with higher education and awarding college credits for apprenticeship learning, which directly relates to improving access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The initiative supports good-paying careers in the union building trades and strengthens the talent pipeline, promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights cross-sector partnerships among educators, unions, policymakers, and workforce development organizations, emphasizing collaboration to achieve shared goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 4 Targets
   • Proportion of youth and adults with technical and vocational education and training (TVET) qualifications.
   • Number of apprentices receiving college credits or advanced standing in higher education programs.
2. Indicators for SDG 8 Targets
   • Employment rates in the union building trades and related sectors.
   • Number of job openings filled by skilled apprentices.
   • Number of apprentices completing registered programs and transitioning to full employment.
3. Indicators for SDG 17 Targets
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships between educational institutions, labor unions, and government agencies.
   • Expansion and replication of the articulation agreement model in other regions or states.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ironmountaindailynews.com