Area High School Students Visit OCC to Learn about Skilled Trades and Public Safety Programs

Close to 120 students from nine Metro Detroit-area high schools recently learned the ins and outs of OCC’s Emergency Services, Manufacturing and Skilled Trade programs that lead to in-demand jobs as part of the https://www.econclub.org/student-program.  

During the tour, students experienced Fire and Police service training in action at OCC’s Combined Regional Emergency Services Training (CREST) facilities and got an up-close look at the College’s automobile servicing, welding, machine tool technology and robotics labs. Students also talked with instructors to learn more about each program, potential job opportunities, and earning potential they can expect upon completion of the programs.  The OCC programs are designed to give students the knowledge and training they need to prepare for in-demand jobs available in Southeast Michigan.  

During the tour of CREST, students got an inside view of fire service and law enforcement training.  

"The students learned about the tools of the fire service including SCBAs and the JAWS of life tools, and were able to view the 'X-Chamber' that demonstrates the science behind the percentages  of explosive gasses and what happens with too rich, too lean and vapor density, " said David Ceci, Academic Dean of CREST.  "They also learned how law enforcement officers utilize CREST for live scenario training and how we create scenarios to each officers' appropriate response for a given situation." 

High schools participating in the event included:
-AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian, Southfield
-Dakota High School, Macomb
-Frontier International Academy, Warren
-Hazel Park High School, Hazel Park
-Golightly Career & Technical Center, Detroit
-Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Detroit
-John Glenn High School, Westland 
-Lee M. Thurston, Redford
-Melvindale High School, Melvindale

 “It is important for high school students to know that there are certificate and two-year degree programs that can prepare them for a great career in the skilled trades with excellent earning potential,” said Jolene Chapman, Dean of Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies.  “The Career Readiness Academy helps students understand they have good career options that don’t require a four-year degree.” 

For more information about OCC’s Skilled Trades, visit https://www.oaklandcc.edu/skilledtrades/default.aspx . To learn about the College’s Emergency Services program, visit https://www.oaklandcc.edu/crest.   

###

About the Career Readiness Academy

The Detroit Economic Club’s Career Readiness Academy is a program that brings high school and Young Leader (YLs) members together for monthly meetings that aim to teach skills that will help the students effectively navigate their high school journey to find greater success in the working world. The same team of YLs and students meet each month which not only provides the opportunity for more personalized attention but also forges important mentor-mentee relationships. Learn more at https://www.econclub.org/student-program/.

About OCC

Offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and No. 1 transfer institution in the state. The College provides academic, career training and enriching experiences, designed to empower students to reach their potential and enhance our community. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.

Media Contact: OCC Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu