WAYLAND, Mich. (WXYZ) — A new training center for carpenters and millrights opened in Wayland Monday.

“The Skilled Training Center in Wayland is the kind of state-of-the-art educational facility we need in Michigan that will prepare the next generation of skilled trades professionals,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. “We are grateful to the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights and their business partners for investing in the workforce of tomorrow. On behalf of the State of Michigan, we’re excited to see the Wayland training center produce the highly skilled, highly trained professionals who are going to build our bridges, upgrade infrastructure and fix our damn roads.”

The center is part of a statewide effort by MRCC and its contractor partners to train and educate workers to fill thousands of job openings in Michigan's skilled trades industry. The center is open to the public – anyone can apply to become an apprentice carpenter or millwright. Applicants simply need a high school diploma or GED.

Apprentices do not pay tuition and get wages, healthcare and pension benefits while they study and train. They will get hands-on experience and go through real-world simulations, using methods and tools that include some of the most advanced in the construction industry.

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