Northwest Wayne News

The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCC) recently held a grand opening ceremony for their new training facility in northwest Detroit.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) was on hand with area and labor officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a recent press release from the governor’s office said.

“Skilled trades careers are a brotherhood and sisterhood of professionals who strive to be the best, look out for each other and rebuild America, Michigan and our neighborhoods from the inside out,” Doug McCarren, general president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, said in the release. “Carpenters and millwrights represent the future, and this training center will help thousands of residents in Detroit and beyond get access to the best training around so they can be part of a brighter future.”

The governor’s office reported that the 145,000-square-foot training center will be equipped with cutting-edge classrooms, training rooms and advanced technology to further its standing within the industry. 

“Businesses and companies in the construction industry are looking for the best trained, best educated, best-prepared workers around, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights’ new training center in Detroit is an exciting opportunity for men and women to get that education and training for good-paying careers,” Donna Pardonnet, executive director of the Architectural Contractors Trade Association of Michigan, said in the release. “Construction jobs are in high demand and an apprenticeship at this new training center is a terrific way for young people to start a great career and get paid while they learn.”

Approximately 1,500 students will be trained at the center annually and have critical roles in the governor’s Sixty by 30 initiative, which proposes that 60% of working-age citizens obtain a skills certificate or degree by 2030. 

“Thanks to this brand-new cutting-edge training center, the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights is investing in Michigan workers, Michigan jobs, and Michigan’s future,” Marty Walsh, U.S. Department of Labor secretary, said in the release. “The leadership of the carpenters and millwrights will help the United States and the State of Michigan continue to build the critical infrastructure we need to be competitive in a global economy. This new training center showcases the fact that good-paying jobs and rewarding careers are available right out of high school to those who are willing to learn, train and work hard.”

Walsh added that the country needs well-skilled professionals in the construction industry, and the training center would help meet that demand.