ESCANABA – Leaders from across Michigan’s education, labor, and workforce development sectors gathered at Bay College for a landmark event signaling a major step forward in aligning union apprenticeship programs with higher education.

he signing of the Upper Peninsula Articulation Agreement marks a first-of-its-kind effort to award advanced college credit for registered apprentices in the union construction trades.

The agreement, formally signed during a press conference at Bay College, sets a new standard for recognizing the rigor and relevance of U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship programs. Under the terms of the agreement, apprentices who have completed a registered program will receive advanced standing toward an associate degree from Bay College — leaving only 15 general education credits to complete.

“Today’s announcement is about recognizing the value of the skills and training that union apprentices bring to the table,” said Dr. Nerita Hughes, president of Bay College. “This agreement provides a meaningful bridge between hands-on career training and academic achievement.”

The event builds on work initiated in 2024 by the Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC) and the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council (MBCTC), in partnership with the Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee, Inc. (MASCI).

“We’re proud to partner with Bay College on this groundbreaking agreement to offer college credit for apprenticeship programs,” said Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) director. “Union apprenticeship training delivers top-tier education, and our apprentices put in tremendous effort to complete these rigorous programs. It’s only right that their hard work and learning are recognized through college credit.”

Corbin said this effort will help more people access good-paying careers — especially in the union building trades — while also giving employers the skilled talent they need to succeed.

“With 45,000 openings projected in the professional trades by 2030, expanding access to both training and college credit is the right move for Michigan’s future,” Corbin added.

Marty Fittante, CEO of Invest UP, noted the long-term economic impact of the agreement.

“This is a smart investment in the UP’s future,” Fittante said. “It strengthens our talent pipeline, gives working adults new tools to advance their careers, and supports the kind of innovation and collaboration that keeps our region competitive.”

Fittante also highlighted the importance of cross-sector partnerships in making the agreement possible.

“It’s a testament to what we can accomplish when educators, unions, and policymakers work together,” Fittante said. “I hope this becomes a model for the rest of the state.”

Mike Smith, UPCC executive director, underscored the role of the skilled trades in shaping the U.P.’s future.

ment puts in writing what we’ve long known on the jobsite–union apprenticeship is rigorous, high-level training,” Smith said. “Our members earn while they learn, and now they’ll earn college credit, too. That’s a win for workers, for employers, and for our whole region.”

Other speakers included MBCTC President Steve Claywell, who said the agreement “finally gives formal recognition to the kind of high-level training our members go through every day. It’s not just job training–it’s education, and now it’s being treated that way.”

The UP Articulation Agreement reflects a growing movement to formally integrate industry-driven training programs into the state’s higher education framework, providing skilled tradespeople with new opportunities to earn degrees, advance their careers, and continue their education without duplication of effort or cost.

A buffet lunch and networking session followed the press conference, giving attendees the opportunity to discuss next steps and future expansion of the initiative.