Macomb Community College’s Michigan Maritime Manufacturing training programs graduate first students

On March 20, the first 21 students in Macomb Community College’s Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) 17-week accelerated training programs graduated, prepared to immediately contribute to the work of southeast Michigan’s local defense sector. Eleven students completed the maritime CNC machining program, while ten students graduated from the maritime welding program. All the M3 graduates either have secured employment or are actively engaged in interviewing with local employers. M3 is designed to address the urgent demand for skilled labor in the maritime industrial base, supporting the Navy’s strategic needs and national security.

“I was thrilled to address the 21 graduates of the first ever Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative, or M3, class,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “M3 is an incredible program that helps more Michiganders get the skills they need to earn a good living while protecting our national security and creating good-paying jobs here at home. It builds on Michigan’s proud history as a defense manufacturer and demonstrates once again to the world that Michigan’s talented workers are ready to roll up their sleeves and get things done. I wish every graduate the best. Let’s keep working hard to grow our economy, protect our nation and build a bright future.”

The Navy has invested $15.4 million in Macomb, allowing the college to create a state-of-the art maritime skilled trades training center and fund the training for more than 380 individuals through early 2027. The new training center is located at Macomb’s Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) in Warren and features 24 new CNC machines, 12 lathe and 12 mills, as well as 24 new welding booths and 36 welders – 12 MIG, 12 TIG and 12 Stick. 

“We appreciate the trust and investment in Macomb Community College and the people we serve to contribute to the Navy’s maritime mission and its defense of our nation,” said James O. Sawyer IV, president, Macomb Community College. “Through M3, the Navy is extending an amazing opportunity for our residents to train for careers with futures and wages that support families, and for the local defense industry to sustain and grow their businesses.”

“Macomb County continues to be at the center of our nation’s defense manufacturing advantage," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "This partnership between Macomb Community College and the U.S. Navy strengthens that competitive edge. The Michigan Maritime Manufacturing program is providing the skills needed to build a strong, sustainable workforce that ensures our local defense sector continues to grow and succeed. We’re proud to see the first graduates of this program stepping into high-demand careers that will support our national security and our local economy for years to come.”

The accelerated industry training partnership is part of a broader M3 initiative, announced at Macomb Community College’s South Campus in July 2024 by the secretary of the Navy. The M3 initiative represents an investment exceeding $50 million in Michigan’s maritime manufacturing future to help meet the Navy’s need for thousands of new workers across Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

For information about Macomb Community College’s accelerated programs in maritime CNC machining or welding, go to www.macomb.edu/M3 or email M3@macomb.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Scott Roush, 586.445.8787, roushs080@macomb.edu