Trade and Apprentice

Since the establishment of Henry Ford College, Trade and Apprentice Education has played a significant role in industrial and technical education for adults of all ages and working-class families. With support from regional businesses and industry, HFC is leading the way in apprenticeship education and training.

Interested in this program?

What is the Trade and Apprentice Education program?

Since 1953, Trade and Apprentice Education at HFC has developed into one of the largest apprenticeship training programs in the country. This is due in no small part to major industry support. Our close working relationship with automotive manufacturers and others has resulted in an international reputation in the field of apprenticeship. Consider a skilled trade or apprenticeship today. This will allow you to learn new skills and earn your technical license or journeyman card.

Why should I choose this program?

  1. Workforce preparation: After successfully completing the TAE program, you'll be well prepared for the labor force and for in-demand jobs. You'll develop specialized skills that address the current and future needs of industry. We don't just align our programs with industry -- our programs are designed by industry.

  2. Quality education: We offer day and evening classes in three consecutive 15-week semesters to provide you with year-round instruction. If you are currently in a job, we conform to your shift changes with flexible class times.

  3. Solid reputation: Through our industry-sponsored apprenticeship and training programs, we've trained more than 20,000 manufacturing and maintenance skilled trades workers and craftspersons.

What skills will I learn and improve?

What are my career opportunities?

Machine Tool Technology/CNC

Median Pay: $45,750 per year or $21.99 per hour

  • Automation and Control Technician
  • CNC Set-up Technician
  • Engineering Technician
  • Quality Controller
  • Programmer
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Tool Analyst
  • Pre-production Planner
  • Plastic R & D Technician
  • Machinist/Toolmaker
  • Sales & Service Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Test Technician

Electrical Engineering Technology

Median Pay: $65,260 per year or $31.38 per hour

  • Computer Service
  • Instrumentation Set-up
  • Machine Service
  • Quality Control
  • Research and Development
  • Machine Controls
  • Instrumentation Repair
  • Microprocessor Systems
  • Product Evaluation
  • Sales

CAD Technology Industrial Drafting

Median Pay: $56,830 per year or $27.32 per hour

  • CAD Drafter
  • CAD Manager
  • Design Engineer
  • Designer
  • Detailer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • SolidWorks Designer
  • UGNX Designer

Applied Plumbing and Pipefitting

Median Pay: $55,160 per year or $26.52 per hour

  • Plumber
  • Domestic Heating Fitter
  • Mechanical Pipe Fitter

Industrial Sewing

Median Pay: $26,420 per year

  • Automotive Sewing
  • Automotive Interiors
  • Clothing Manufacturing
  • Boat Canvas and Interiors
  • Awning Manufacturing
  • Upholstering

Program features and benefits

Faculty

Lists the faculty associated with this program and their contact information.
Name Credentials Email Phone
Patricia Chatman
Dean, School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development, Trade and Apprentice
B.S., Oakland University*; M.S., Central Michigan University*; Ph.D., Walden University pchatman@hfcc.edu 313-317-6603
Richard Cieslak
FT Faculty - Trades
rfcieslak@hfcc.edu 313-845-6437
Wilbert McAlister
FT Faculty - Trades
A.A., Wayne County Community College* wmcalister@hfcc.edu 313-317-1550
Kenneth Nichols
Project Manager, School of BEPD
kenichols@hfcc.edu 313-317-6888