Trade Education & Workforce Pathways

• The Barry County Trades Alliance (BCTA) serves as a registered USDOL Group Apprenticeship Sponsor, connecting local Career and Technical Education (CTE) students, independent contractors, and federally recognized credentialing into one seamless pipeline.

1. For Students & CTE Graduates

Earn While You Learn—No Student Debt Required

Transitioning from the classroom to a high-paying trade career should be direct and accessible. BCTA provides the industry infrastructure to launch your career right here in Barry County.

• Paid Employment from Day One: Start earning competitive W-2 wages on active local job sites while mastering your trade.

• Progressive Wage Increases: Your pay increases systematically as you log On-the-Job Learning (OJL) hours and master technical skills.

• 144-Hour Related Technical Instruction (RTI): Classroom hours completed through Hastings High School CTE and technical partners count directly toward your federal credentials.

• 1:1 Journeyperson Mentorship: Work directly alongside experienced local craftspeople who ensure safety, proper tool usage, and real-world mastery.

• Nationally Recognized Credential: Graduate with a portable USDOL Journeyperson Certificate accepted by contractors nationwide.

2. For Local Contractors & Employers

The BCTA "Umbrella Advantage"

Running a trade business is hard enough without managing federal compliance paperwork. BCTA operates under USDOL guidelines (29 CFR Part 29) to handle the administrative heavy lifting so you can focus on building.

• Zero Administrative Burden: BCTA manages student registration, USDOL compliance, and mandatory RAPIDS hour tracking on your behalf.

• Access to Vetted Local Talent: Gain a direct recruitment pipeline of pre-screened, safety-certified (OSHA 10) candidates coming out of local CTE shop programs.

• Grant & Wage Support: BCTA connects participating contractors with state wage reimbursement programs, including West Michigan Works! OJT funds and Michigan Going PRO grants.

• Simple Onboarding: Join the alliance by signing a simple, 1-page Employer Acceptance Agreement (EAA) without individual federal filing fees.

3. Registered USDOL Apprenticeship Framework

Every BCTA trade program adheres to five core federal pillars designed to protect workers and ensure quality craftsmanship across Barry County: