ESCANABA – Area boilermakers and IBEW unions entered into partnership with Bay College to allow successful apprentices from the two unions to be able to receive Bay College credit.

With the signing of articulation agreements, apprentices are now eligible to receive 45 technical education credits at Bay College, which can be applied towards the Associate in Applied Science in General Studies degree.

Apprentices would then only have to complete their general education requirements and a minimum of 17 Bay College credits in order to earn their degree.

A previous agreement with the IBEW was updated and recognized during the signing ceremony, representing a continued commitment to provide opportunities to those who have successfully completed formal IBEW training. With the success of this partnership, Bay College entered into a second agreement with the local Boilermakers union.

“These agreements acknowledge the quality of welding and electrical education that can be obtained through our local Boilermakers and IBEW apprenticeship programs and provides union members with an opportunity to continue their education at the college level. Earning an associate’s degree can be a competitive advantage for job seekers, so this partnership provides an opportunity for union members to achieve this credential from Bay College without feeling as if they must start their education over or travel far from home,” said Mark Kinney, Dean for Business and Technology at Bay.

Existing and former apprentices interested in participating in the program can contact their union representative or Beth Noreus at Bay College at 906-217-4014.

For those individuals interested in enrolling in Bay College directly, more information on the many programs available, as well as instructions for applying, can be found at www.baycollege.edu or by calling 800-221-2001.