A unique partnership between WCC’s Workforce Development Department and representatives from the University of Michigan’s Plant Operations Facilities Maintenance Department – resulted in the WCC Commercial Building Maintenance Certification [CBM] program.
The four semester, twelve credit hour program provides a practical, structured and accredited program for the University of Michigan building maintenance staff – with classes held on the U of M campus.
Students in the multi-faceted program learn how to meet State of Michigan code requirements, how to troubleshoot heating, cooling and ventilation issues and understand how to correct building issues involving ceilings, doors, windows, walls, and floor and commercial furnishings.
“We are very proud of this distinctive partnership,” said Marilyn Donham, WCC Dean of Advanced Technologies & Public Service Careers. “The breadth of our custom-designed program addresses all areas a student must understand to properly and efficiently run a commercial building – not only in theory, but with hands-on practice of handling and repairing equipment. Additionally, we designed the curriculum to be taken in the evening – allowing students to maintain their work responsibilities during the day without interruption.”
Twenty-four University of Michigan maintenance men and women recently received Commercial Building Maintenance certifications at a graduate luncheon held on March 7 at the Junge Center at U of M. The graduates represented U of M employees who work in plant operations, athletics and university housing.
“To run a building effectively involves many different skills and knowledge levels, said Anthony Minissale, WCC program coordinator, Advanced Technologies & Public Service Careers. “Students in the WCC CBM certification program acquire these skills – which in turn helps to control costs, conserve energy and reduce any down time. We are very proud of the recent graduates and look forward to the upcoming new class.”