Workforce Classes and Training

Henry Ford College Workforce and Professional Development provides comprehensive career and technical training programs for new workers and those who wish to advance in their careers.

Our customized, person-centered training courses include manufacturing education and skilled trades, supply chain logistics, business and computer technology, energy and construction technology, health sciences, industrial sewing and pattern making, professional skill development, career enhancement, and other in-demand areas. We work directly with business and industry to make sure our training programs meet their needs and our graduates possess updated skills for in-demand jobs.

Our programs and services also meet the needs of people seeking personal growth and enrichment in our community. Options include GED testing, certification testing, apprenticeships, dual enrollment, and articulated credit (dual enrollment in high school and college).

EV Battery Technician Certificate

Participants in this certificate course will acquire the necessary skills for designing, operating, testing, maintaining, and replacing battery cells and packs for various applications. In addition, the certification allows participants to choose the right technology for the right challenge and evaluate battery performance. Moreover, to be able to work out a solid total solution, the battery management systems, the charging and maintenance of batteries, and their recycling process are also discussed in more detail. Finally, we give sufficient attention to safely handling these electrical applications, ensuring the well-being of both individuals and the environment.

This certificate empowers learners to:

  • Evaluate what battery technology is best suited for which application based on its characteristics.
  • Examine the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used battery technologies.
  • Design and implement the best-fit battery solution for each application.
  • Safely handle, test, repair, and dispose of battery systems according to legal obligations.

First 8-Week Schedule

Course/Section: EV Battery Technician Certificate/WFPD-EVT-175
Instructor: Dan Blue
Day: Online
Time: Online Asynchronized
Location: N/A
Room: N/A
Method: 100% Online Asynchronized
Capacity: 30
Allow waitlist: N
Max waitlist: 0
Schedule type: 7
Start day: 1/8/2024
End day: 3/3/2024
Petition: No
Notes: None.

Course/Section: EV Battery Technician Certificate/WFPD-EVT-176
Instructor: Dan Blue
Day: Online
Time: Online Asynchronized
Location: N/A
Room: N/A
Method: 100% Online Asynchronized
Capacity: 30
Allow waitlist: N
Max waitlist: 0
Schedule type: 7
Start day: 1/8/2024
End day: 3/3/2024
Petition: No
Notes: None.

Second 8-Week Schedule

Course/Section: EV Battery Technician Certificate/WFPD-EVT-177
Instructor: Dan Blue
Day: Online
Time: Online Asynchronized
Location: N/A
Room: N/A
Method: 100% Online Asynchronized
Capacity: 30
Allow waitlist: N
Max waitlist: 0
Schedule type: 7
Start day: 3/11/2024
End day: 5/5/2024
Petition: No
Notes: None.

Course/Section: EV Battery Technician Certificate/WFPD-EVT-178
Instructor: Dan Blue
Day: Online
Time: Online Asynchronized
Location: N/A
Room: N/A
Method: 100% Online Asynchronized
Capacity: 30
Allow waitlist: N
Max waitlist: 0
Schedule type: 7
Start day: 3/11/2024
End day: 5/5/2024
Petition: No
Notes: None.

Apple Developer Academy (Foundation Program)

The main focus of the Apple Developer Academy is creating app prototypes for Apple platforms.

  • The program is offered in person on our East Campus in Dearborn.
  • Each class will focus on developing app prototypes for Apple platforms. You will partner with other students to create prototypes for Mac operating system applications, including iOS, macOS, tvOS and watchOS.
  • These classes will operate Winter, Summer, and Fall 2024.

For additional information concerning the program and how to register please contact, Cassandra Myers, Program Manager at cmyers17@hfcc.edu

Mobile Application Developer Certificate

Students who successfully complete the Apple Developer Academy may then apply for the Apple scholarship to enroll in the Mobile Application Developer Certificate. The Mobile Application Developer Certificate prepares you for an entry-level position or entrepreneurial venture as a mobile application (app) developer.

You will develop a marketable skill set in designing, programming, testing, and marketing mobile applications using the latest technologies, such as Kotlin and Swift. The Mobile App Developer certificate consists of five courses designed to be completed within one year.

Software and mobile development are consistently ranked as the among the best careers in the country. Regional economic data show a 20 to 1 ratio of job openings to IT graduates.

Career and Technical Education (Non-Credit Options)

Business and industry are influenced by social and economic forces to produce quality goods and services that meet the needs of a global economy that requires efficiency, quality, and innovation. In today's workforce, you must be able to build and advance your career while exploring new training opportunities that meet the needs of industry now and in the future.

At HFC, we align our academic programs with industry needs, identify areas of professional growth for current workers, and provide for new hire training and orientation (onboarding) in various industries.

Industrial Sewing Certificate

The Industrial Sewing Certificate Program trains people for entry-level jobs within the industrial sewing industry. Topics include safety, ergonomics, sewing machine operation, stitching and finishes, set-up, quality, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Students train with woven, knits, expanded vinyl, fine fabrics, and leather.

Successful program enrollees prepare for careers in:

  • Automotive Sewing
  • Automotive Interiors
  • Clothing Manufacturing
  • Boat Canvas and Interiors
  • Awning Manufacturing
  • Upholstering

Future career pathways include pattern making, machine repair, cutter, time study, supervisor, and engineer.

Contact: Cassandra Myers, Program Manager 313-317-6604

Advance Michigan Catalyst (Going Pro)

Henry Ford College has emerged as a national leader for manufacturing and industrial maintenance training and development programs, and has sustained our status as a leading training institution in local and national job markets. We provide a broad range of skilled trade training programs to prepare new and existing workers to serve Michigan’s manufacturing economy, while addressing the gap between the skills employees possess and the skills needed by industry.

HFC works with employers in every industry to develop effective apprenticeship programs. A well-defined apprenticeship program provides an opportunity to earn a salary while learning the skills to succeed in high-demand careers.

For businesses, HFC programs enable your company to cultivate a highly skilled workforce so you can remain competitive and take a leadership role in your industry.

FANUC Robotics Certificate 1

$3,500 per student

Provides non-credit training for an operator level of skill and knowledge. Students with this level will develop a basic understanding of robotic operations and programming, material handling and its components, and introduction to Roboguide simulation software. This certification is focused on the core Robot Operator skills for entry level or existing workers.

FANUC Robotics Certificate 2

$3,500 per student

Provides non-credit training for a technician level of skill and knowledge, with a more advanced understanding of robot operations and programming, material handling techniques, technical system components, and 2D integrated robotic vision guidance and part inspection process.

The training is focused on providing skills in: single axis mastering on all six axes, how to create and execute a pick-and-place program for load and unload applications, and how to set up and program 2D Integrated Vision for part offset and inspection.

SolidWorks Certificate Entrepreneur I

$3,500 per person

Enables students to become proficient in this powerful and versatile design software. Includes 3D Design, Technical Communication, Simulation, Product Data Management, Visualization, and Cloud Based Data Management Techniques.

The Entrepreneur Certificate Includes:

  • Create a part design using 3D CAD software program
  • Apply and layout dimensions on a 3D virtual model for manufacturing
  • Create 3D part design in CAD software program

After completing this certificate, students may test for the SolidWorks CSWA – Academic Certificate.

SolidWorks Certificate Enterprise II

$3,500 per student

Enables students to become proficient in this powerful and versatile design software. Includes 3D Design, Technical Communication, Simulation, Product Data Management, Visualization, and Cloud Based Data Management Techniques.

The Enterprise Certificate Includes: * Utilize drafting principles to read and comprehend a part drawing * Apply and lay out dimensions on a part drawing for manufacturing * Create a part design using 3D CAD software program * Create orthographic views of part design utilizing 3D CAD software program * Create section views of a part * Project an auxiliary view from an inclined surface

After completing this certificate, students may test for the SolidWorks CSWA – Academic Certificate

Contact Person: Ledgra Johnson, Project Manager, 313-317-6616

Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV) Training

Technology and systems for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles is growing rapidly as we move toward a driverless future. Henry Ford College is at the forefront of training students in the core concepts and skills needed to work in this demanding field.

Systems Engineering Concepts: Introduction to Systems Engineering

Course Length: 3 days, in-person, short course
Time in Class per day (hours): 6.5 hours of in-person instruction
Total Course Length (days & hours): 3 days/19.5 hours
Time in Laboratory: 10 hours
Total Course Cost Per Participant: $758

Course Description

The successful engineering of complex systems such as connected and autonomous vehicles requires that the design and methodology of these “systems of systems” follow a disciplined approach.

Systems engineering focuses on developing the appropriate framework for successful design, testing, validation, and management of complex systems over the entire life cycle of a product by carefully considering the needs and functionality of the product at the start of the development process. In this course, students will be introduced to the concepts and tools of systems engineering and how systems engineering relates to other engineering disciplines.

The course is largely activity-based with concepts introduced to support the activities and put them in the appropriate context. The course includes a group project that covers concept, stakeholders, use cases, requirements, interfaces, verification and validation, and quality assurance for a system.

Lab Project Description

Group project covering stakeholder identification, use cases, requirements definition, verification and validation, testing, and quality assurance for a CAV system or subsystem.

Course Learning Objectives

  • Understand the role and responsibilities of the system engineer.
  • Understand systems engineering as a multi-discipline field.
  • Understand use cases, concept of operations, and identification of stakeholders.
  • Understand the “system of systems” viewpoint of systems engineering.
  • Understand the importance of interfaces and proper documentation.
  • Understand the concept of a requirement and the different sub-types of requirements (functional, design, derived, etc.).
  • Practice writing meaningful requirements from the consideration of use cases, concept of operations, stakeholder needs.
  • Understand the “V” and “double V” models for system design
  • Understand and be able to create system boundary diagram and system P-Diagrams
  • Understand the relationship between requirements and testing.
  • Understand the difference between verification and validation.
  • Practice with test definition and creating a Design Verification Plan.
  • Understand the FMEA as a quality assurance tool.
  • Practice creating an FMEA using an appropriate worksheet.
  • Complete a project that includes elements from both sides of the V-model.

  • Communications, Problem Solving, and Financial Tools for CAV Programs and Projects

  • Practical Functional Safety for CAV Systems Development

Tools, Tips, and Strategies to Make Project & Program Management Work for You

Course Length: 3 days, in-person, short course
Time in Class per day (hours): 6.5 hours of in-person instruction
Total Course Length (days & hours): 3 days/19.5 hours
Total Course Cost Per Participant: $890

Course Description

Information is traveling faster and being shared by more individuals than ever before. Although project management has been an established field for many years, managing complex technology projects and programs requires tools, strategies, and information beyond standard project management.

This course covers the essential managerial and technical aspects of modern technical project management. By weaving together theory and practice, the course presents an understandable, integrated view of project management. In the dynamic Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV) Manufacturing Research and Development world, methods and best practices are constantly evolving. This course provides up-to-date information on how principles and effective use of software can help to manage projects. Additionally, it gives professionals an opportunity to practice appropriate tools and techniques in a classroom environment, where stretching one’s knowledge can take place. Topics include project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement management.

Course Learning Outcomes and Practice

  • Create a project charter
  • Describe project management integration
  • Identify stakeholders and define customer expectations
  • Define project scope and work breakdown structure
  • Develop a project schedule
  • Develop cost estimates
  • Describe methodologies for quality assurance
  • Develop a human resource plan
  • Develop a communications plan
  • Perform risk assessment and mitigation
  • Develop a procurement management plan
  • Utilize Microsoft Project software to manage a project

Communications, Problem Solving, and Financial Tools for CAV Programs and Projects

Course Length: 3 days, in-person, short course
Time in Class per day (hours): 6.5 hours of in-person instruction
Total Course Length (days & hours): 3 days/19.5 hours
Total Course Cost Per Participant: $998

Course Description

This course offers practical knowledge for employees in the automotive manufacturing industry working in Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) programs and projects. It provides skills practice that can be applied immediately. The course offers problem solving, financial tools, customer centered problem solving, and negotiation skills.

  • Session One: Students will learn practical knowledge of project-based accounting.

  • Session Two: Students will learn the basics of appropriate behavior and communication in a business environment. Personal, interpersonal, and group behaviors are discussed. Cultural issues, gender issues, and effective problem solving techniques are also covered. Students examine how to use various communication styles in interactions with team members, superiors, peers, subordinates, and clients through role-playing scenarios.

  • Session Three: Students will develop and improve leadership skills. Students will review and practice effective leadership techniques that can enable them to build stronger teams with synergy. Students will also be able to examine their leadership style and compare it to effective models. Role-playing will be utilized.

Course Learning Objectives:

  • Project Accounting Planning

    • Prepare a project schedule
    • Prepare a project budget including a resource, procurement, and quality plan.
  • Project Accounting Execution and Controls

    • Enter expenses and prepare status reports
    • Calculate return on investment
  • Costs and Financing

    • Describe cost classifications of a project including materials, labor and overhead.
    • Describe the effect of depreciable assets on overhead.
    • Use the net-present-value and internal-rate-of-return method to evaluate an investment proposal.

Practical Functional Safety for CAV Systems Development

Course Length: 3 days, in-person, short course Time in Class per day (hours): 6.5 hours of in-person instruction Total Course Length (days & hours): 3 days/19.5 hours Total Course Cost Per Participant: $1,148 per person

Course Description

This course provides a systematic introduction to functional safety as applied to CAV technologies. The ISO 26262 standard for functional safety of road vehicles is covered, including the standard’s requirements and industry practice meeting those requirements. The course presents several standard methods of automotive system safety analyses (reliability block diagrams, FMEA, FMEDA, fault tree analysis) and how to execute them. Practical application of safety analysis to product design is emphasized using case studies and application examples drawn from the automotive industry.

Course Learning Objectives

  • Understand the aims and purpose of safety analysis
  • Understand how functional safety is integrated into the design process
  • Familiarization with the automotive Technical Safety Requirements
  • Understand the different stages of the safety life cycle, including key tasks and work products
  • Familiarization with the ISO 26262 standard and understanding why it is important
  • Understand how to perform hazard and risk assessment (HARA)
  • Understand ASIL ratings, how they are determined and how they affect the design of a “system of systems”
  • Understand how to use failure mode, effects and analysis (FMEA), failure mode, effects, and diagnostics analysis (FMEDA), fault tree analysis (FTA), and reliability block diagrams (RBD) as safety analyses
  • Understand which analyses are needed, at which stage, and in which areas of development
  • Understand hardware failure metrics: probabilistic metrics for random hardware failure (PMHF), single point fault metric (SPFM) and latent fault metric (LFM)
  • Understand the analysis of dependent failures
  • Planning, managing, and monitoring tasks over the product lifecycle

Contact Person: Dr. Patricia Chatman, Dean School of Business, Entrepreneurship and Professional Development, 313-317-6603

Manufacturing Education for Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships

Henry Ford College has emerged as a national leader for manufacturing and industrial maintenance training and development programs, and has sustained our status as a leading training institution in local and national job markets. We provide a broad range of skilled trade training programs to prepare new and existing workers to serve Michigan’s manufacturing economy, while addressing the gap between the skills employees possess and the skills needed by industry.

HFC works with employers in every industry to develop effective apprenticeship programs. A well-defined apprenticeship program provides an opportunity to earn a salary while learning the skills to succeed in high-demand careers.

For businesses, HFC programs enable your company to cultivate a highly skilled workforce so you can remain competitive and take a leadership role in your industry.

Shop Arithmetic

  • $212 per student

This 32 hour course is a review of basic arithmetic; whole numbers, fractions, decimals, signed grouping symbols, square root, ratio and proportion, flat and round tapers, simple and complex gear ratios: practical industrial shop problems are employed.

Machine Tool Blueprint Reading

  • $212 per student

This 32 hour course discusses print reading fundamentals needed for presenting concepts and techniques to various segments of today's industry. Includes the alphabet (use) of lines; projection of various shapes and surfaces; presentation of hidden details; and methods, units of measurement, and techniques used for locating details in a variety of drawings.

Trade Related Preparation

  • $320 per student

This 48 hour course prepares students for a career in the trades is assessed through an overview of industrial processes. A review of math, blueprint reading and measuring tools relative to shop application are major components of the course. Students receive diagnostic evaluation through testing in these major areas.

Business and Economic Incentive Programs

Henry Ford College has more than 80 years of experience in meeting the existing and emerging needs of business and industry. We have many ready-made programs, and we can also customize training programs at our campuses or on-site at your facility, depending on your needs. We can help you recruit, train, and retain the skilled workforce of the future.

Contact the School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development at 313-317-6600.

The Michigan New Jobs Training Program (MNJT)

Employers may set aside state payroll taxes for each new hire and allocate those funds to community colleges to train these newly hired Michigan workers.

This option allows companies to expand and grow their workforce in Michigan, and even expand their operations in Michigan. The program promotes collaboration and partnerships between employers and Henry Ford College. We encourage you to contact us to meet your workforce training needs.

Skilled Trade Training Fund (STTF)

The Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF) is an economic and workforce development initiative funded by the State of Michigan.

Competitive grants are awarded to employers to support training for both new and existing workers to enhance talent, productivity, and to retain skilled employees.

This effort will increase the productivity, quality, and competitiveness of Michigan's businesses. The grants, administered through Michigan Works, allow employers to collaborate with Henry Ford College to implement training plans for their workers. Grant awards are based on the number of workers in the training programs and can serve as few as two workers, or hundreds. The training must last one year or less and emphasizes training activities that can be completed within four months or fewer.

American Apprenticeship Initiative

The American Apprenticeship Initiative, funded by the Department of Labor, aids industry in creating apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing, information technology, transportation, healthcare, supply chain and logistics, and non-traditional industries.

Our goal is to integrate best practices and design new models for training in high-growth sectors. Ultimately, this will increase the number of registered apprenticeships and workers' mastery of in-demand skills.

Community Ventures

The MEDC Community Ventures (CV) program is an economic development initiative that promotes employment and social enterprise.

CV is designed to alleviate poverty and promote safe and vibrant communities. CV has an annual goal of placing 1,000 “structurally unemployed” residents from Pontiac, Detroit, Saginaw, and Flint into full-time, long-term employment.

Eligibility Requirements

Companies must in good faith hire job seekers into positions that pay at least $10 per hour, offer full-time employment or at least 30 hours per week, and place workers into permanent, year-round positions.

Job seekers must be “structurally unemployed” (they must not have the skills required to meet employers' needs). Also, they must face one or more of the following challenges:

  • Insufficient education to pursue a sustainable career
  • Be functionally illiterate
  • Fall below the poverty line
  • Lack options for long-term employment
  • Be an ex-offender
  • Be an at-risk youth
  • Have a recognized disability

Job seekers in the CV program must be residents of Detroit, Pontiac, Saginaw or Flint.

Continuing and Professional Education

Whether you are a lifelong learner or want to develop your professional skills, our community-based education programs promote social development, community growth and learning for individuals and groups. HFC expands your capacity to use knowledge to solve problems while developing a sense of who you are and how you can be successful in life and your career.

Individually or in a group, HFC offers continuing and professional education in healthcare, business, computer technology, communications, culinary arts and hospitality management, health and fitness, industrial arts and technology, visual and performing media arts, and STEM.