Offer Targeted Education for Construction Industry
It’s official! After six months of planning, ABC SEMI is launching its newest member benefit: discounts on college courses that are relevant to construction industry workers. “This is a big win for ABC SEMI,” said Keith Ledbetter, ABC SEMI President & CEO. “Our contractors have been asking us for specialty courses and skills development for a while now. Once we opened discussion with Davenport and learned what they can offer, it was a no-brainer. Why wouldn’t we do this?” he added. According to Ledbetter, this partnership offers innovative programming that is needed and the initial feedback has been very gratifying. It’s kismet.
Davenport has campuses around Michigan and their reach extends around the globe due to their online component. They offer programs in the Health, Technology and Business arenas and grant certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. ABC SEMI affiliates will most likely be interested in the business courses via Davenport University’s Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx) because it offers stand-alone courses that can complement someone’s current job and because courses dovetail with the construction industry needs. Through IPEx, courses are offered in accounting, soft skills, supervision, operations and supply chain, accounting, human resources, leadership and project management, to name a few. Jason Hill, Education Partnership Manager at Davenport University was integral in bringing this partnership to life. “Davenport is proud of this partnership with ABC SEMI because it provides great benefit to hard working people of the construction industry in the state of Michigan,” said Hill.
ABC SEMI/SEMCA Students and Alumni
Once SEMCA students complete four years of training and graduate from any of the SEMCA tracks they are eligible to receive 27–31 credits toward any bachelor’s degree. This means they are at least 25% of the way towards a bachelor’s degree. “This partnership allows us to show our students a tangible next step, especially for those who see themselves as future business owners or contractors,” said Diane Baldwin, SEMCA’s Director of Education. Students can work, go to school and take small steps toward the future they envision for themselves. “Many of our students love what they do and love where they work. They are only looking to increase their skill set to rachet up at their current company,” said Baldwin.
ABC SEMI Members, Their Family Members and Employees
ABC SEMI members are also included in this partnership. Members receive a 20% discount on tuition rates for themselves, their employees and immediate family members for most degree programs at Davenport University. ABC SEMI Board Chairman Robert Clancy of Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc., in Casco, MI, plans to enroll his employees in a Davenport University course this summer to fill in some gaps in their background and give them a broader understanding of their daily tasks. He wants his staff to have a deeper understanding of the how and why of projects so they can better explain it to customers, he said. He also appreciates the flexibility and customization that’s available. “We can put together a whole curriculum that meets the needs of our employees, instead of having them take courses that aren’t relevant to the construction industry,” said Clancy.
Professional Development Opportunities
Davenport University’s Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx) offers results-oriented, targeted professional development programs designed for busy, working professionals. ABC SEMI members can take advantage of training that ranges from 1-day workshops to multi-day certificates and industry certifications. Individuals can advance their career and business leaders can grow their business through engaging practical learning experiences.
Ready to Enroll?
For more information about degree programs or professional development classes, visit www.davenport.edu/abcsemi or call 1-800-686-1600 and mention you are an ABC SEMI member.
