About the Academy for Manufacturing Careers

Launched in 2005, the Academy for Manufacturing Careers (AMC) delivers skilled trades training across South-Central Michigan. AMC partners with local employers and Michigan Works! Southeast to deliver hands-on programs that meet real manufacturing needs.

AMC is a nationally recognized skilled trades–related technical instruction apprenticeship program. Certified as a Registered Apprenticeship Program by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship (USDOL-OA), AMC is also approved as a Michigan Licensed Proprietary School by the State of Michigan.

Our Focus

JAMA and the Shop Rat Foundation are united in their commitment to strengthening our region’s workforce for both today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we’re building a seamless talent pipeline while staying true to our individual missions and continuing the momentum we’ve built over the past 20 years.

Our collaborative efforts support every stage of career development:

  • Youth Training: Hands-on STEM programs, technical exploration, and foundational manufacturing skill building that introduce students to real career pathways.
  • Adult Workforce Development: Industry-driven training, certifications, and DOL Registered Apprenticeship programs that prepare adults for high-demand manufacturing careers.

Programs We Offer

The AMC is a program designed by manufacturers, for manufacturers, delivering relevant training that aligns directly with today’s and tomorrow’s manufacturing careers. Our apprenticeship programs are built around real industry needs and prepare participants for skilled, in-demand roles across the manufacturing sector.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, AMC offers career-focused training pathways that support a wide range of manufacturing occupations. View the full list of available apprenticeship opportunities.

In addition, AMC offers short-term certificate programs designed to help dislocated workers and individuals new to manufacturing quickly gain practical skills and industry-recognized credentials. These accelerated programs focus on workforce readiness and rapid entry into manufacturing careers.

Training Locations & Facilities

Most AMC courses are now delivered at JAMA’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (AMTC), our dedicated, industry-driven training facility designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s manufacturers. The AMTC provides hands-on access to modern manufacturing equipment, including CNC mills and lathes, robotics, welding systems, and other advanced technologies used on today’s shop floors.

In addition to the AMTC, select courses are still held at partner locations such as the Jackson Area Career Center, the Lenawee Tech Center and local manufacturing facilities across the tri-county region. This flexible, employer-first approach allows us to deliver training where it makes the most sense-using the right equipment, in the right environment, to support real-world workforce needs.

Workforce Impact & Community

AMC training raises the level of proficiency to the currently employed, retools the skills of the unemployed, and promotes current skill sets to all enrolled. Instructors provide up-to-date curriculum pertinent to existing manufacturing. AMC administration supports all individuals in their career paths, assuring that all students succeed. The AMC prepares each student by providing them with the necessary tools to make them an accomplished member in the field of manufacturing.

We are dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community by investing in the people and programs that shape our region’s future.

  • Support Community Growth: Partnering with local organizations to strengthen economic development and expand opportunities for residents of all ages.
  • Enhance Professional Development: Providing training, resources, and pathways that help individuals grow their skills and advance their careers.
  • Support Jackson Area Career Center (JACC): Collaborating with JACC to reinforce hands-on learning, technical education, and real-world career exposure for students.
  • Champion FIRST Robotics: Encouraging innovation and teamwork by supporting student robotics programs that ignite interest in engineering, problem solving, and advanced manufacturing.

2021

In 2021, JAMA was awarded a $780,000 two-year grant to expand youth registered apprenticeship across Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston and Washtenaw counties in south-central Michigan.

2015

AMC officially opened it doors with a handful of registered apprentices and offered its first class (Welding I) in April 2005.

2015

In 2015, JAMA partnered with Focus: HOPE in Detroit on and received a $3 million U.S. Dept. of Labor American Apprenticeship Initiative grant designed to expand registered apprenticeship. This five-year grant was completed and all of JAMA’s deliverables were met (and exceeded) prior to the Sept. 30, 2020 grant closing date.

2014

AMC was spotlighted by the White House in 2014 as a “promising approach” to helping the long-term unemployed re-enter the job market.

2014

Also in 2014, JAMA partnered with the Jackson County ISD/Jackson Area Career Center, Jackson College, Baker College of Jackson and The Enterprise Group of Jackson to launch the Jackson Area College & Career Connection (JAC3). The program combines an early/middle college with school-to-registered apprenticeship, giving participating students a chance to earn both a college degree and U.S. DOL apprenticeship certificate along with their high school diploma.

2014

AMC was honored by the Great Lakes Manufacturing Council in 2014 as one of 30 Talented Workforce Initiative programs within the eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces served by the Council.

2012

AMC was recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Labor as a 21st Century Registered Apprenticeship Trailblazer and Innovator in 2012. Only 70 of the more than 2,000 apprenticeship programs nationwide received this honor.

2008

AMC was approved by the State of Michigan as a Proprietary School licensed by the State in December 2008.

2005

AMC was approved by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship as a registered apprenticeship program in April 2005.

2005

AMC was designated by the State of Michigan as a Regional Skills Alliance in 2005.

2004

AMC was developed by over 70 area manufacturing companies in partnership with South Central Michigan Works! and in collaboration with area secondary and post-secondary educational institutions (including the local community college) and other community resources.

2003

AMC was first discussed at meetings in November 2003 after our local community college did not get a millage increase approval from the voters and soon thereafter dropped manufacturing-related skilled trades courses.