HILLSDALE — Jackson College will help meet the growing demand for skilled manufacturing workers with its Production Technician Certificate program offered at the Hillsdale Campus.

Students may benefit from a program that can be completed in just two semesters, with additional summer specialization options available, allowing students to quickly prepare for careers in manufacturing and industrial operations.

The Production Technician Certificate provides foundational training in key manufacturing areas, including workplace safety, quality practices, production processes, maintenance awareness, and CAD drafting. Through hands-on technical instruction, students develop the skills needed for entry-level positions in manufacturing and production environments.

Students completing the program will also have opportunities to earn stackable Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) credentials throughout their coursework. Upon successful completion of all four MSSC assessments, students earn full Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 certification, a nationally recognized credential valued by employers.

Program highlights include:

• Industry-aligned manufacturing curriculum
• Workforce-ready skills in just two semesters
• Hands-on technical training
• Stackable industry credentials
• Flexible summer specialization options
• Partnership opportunities with Hillsdale Area Career Center (HACC)

The certificate requires a minimum of 16 credits, with students maintaining at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and minimum grades of 2.0 in all courses.

“Jackson College is thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to the Hillsdale County community. The ability for students to complete this program locally within Hillsdale County will serve as a barrier-free path to program completion and employment,” said Zak McNitt, Interim Director of Jackson College Hillsdale.

Graduates are prepared for careers in advanced manufacturing, production, automation, maintenance, CAD drafting, and industrial operations, while also building a pathway toward future certificates and degree programs at Jackson College.

Fall Courses

Courses offered this fall will include:

• MFG 135 – Industrial Safety, Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m., Aug. 31-Oct. 20
• MFG 136 – Blueprint Reading & Precision Measurement, Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m., Aug. 31-Oct. 20
• ELT 106 – Basic Electricity & Fluid Systems, Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m., Oct. 28-Dec. 19

Search course schedule here.  (https://www.jccmi.edu/academics/course-schedule/)

For more information about the Production Technician Certificate, contact:

Jackson College – Hillsdale Campus
Clyde LeTarte Center
3120 W. Carleton Road
Hillsdale, MI 49242
517.437.3343