State 'Access for All' apprenticeship readiness program to run Pathways to Progress cohorts in Pontiac

Speakers at the Oct. 21 Pontiac City Council meeting described a new apprenticeship-readiness effort — Pathways to Progress and the Access for All curriculum — planned for Pontiac, aimed at connecting residents to registered union apprenticeships and construction-sector work.

Carlton Jones, whose coalition TDC helped organize the local Career Fitness Camps, described the need for pre-apprenticeship readiness in a unionized construction market where openings can appear with short application windows. Sierra Edmonds, statewide apprenticeship readiness program manager at the Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute (WDI), described a nationally recognized multi-craft core curriculum, OSHA 30, CPR/AED certification and additional certifications such as lead and asbestos awareness.

Edmonds said the initiative will provide wraparound supports — case management, mentorship, transportation stipends and help resolving documentation or license barriers — and align cohorts with local redevelopment projects including the Phoenix redevelopment and planned MLK Bridge work. Program requirements include being 18 or older, residency in the service area and having documentation such as a driver’s license, social security card and high school diploma or GED. The presenters said a two-week fitness/prep camp is running now and another cohort is scheduled to begin Nov. 9.

Council members asked about class size, slots and whether formerly incarcerated residents could participate; presenters said cohorts typically start with about 10–12 people, that camp attrition is expected, and that registered apprenticeship sponsors may screen applicants but do accept returning citizens in many cases. Jones provided a contact phone number for Pathways to Progress: (947) 517-5272.