College Bridge Program

The Bridge to College Mechanical Service Technician I Program helps out-of-school youth (19-21 years old) that have received their GED or HS Diploma enter the College of Lake County (CLC) and successfully complete a certification program that will increase their employability in a rewarding career.

YBLC partners with the CLC to offer a three-phase eight month instructional program. Classes meet Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (schedule subject to change) as follows:

• College Preparation from October 2010 to December 2010:  Students receive 8 weeks of college preparatory math, reading/writing, financial aid assistance,

guidance counseling, case management, study skills and other coursework, along with the personal assistance needed to successfully transition youth into college. Classes are held at the CLC Lake Shore campus located in Waukegan, IL.

• College Classes leading to Certifications from January 2011through May 2011: Students that enroll in CLC’s Mechanical Service Technician I Program begin taking classes at the Grayslake campus January 2011, completing May 2011.  The certification program includes the following classes:

Mechanical Service Technician I Certificate

MET 116:        Machine Components and Repair – 3

MET 111:        Manufacturing Processes – 3

MET 115:        Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics – 3

MTT 110:        Blueprint Reading - 3

MTT 111:        Machine Shop I - 3

WLD 170:       General Welding    - 2

17 credit hours

• Job Shadowing/Internships: Depending on the participant, his/her progress in the college classes, schedules and interest, YBLC seeks to help a student secure a 1-2 day per week internship in manufacturing to gain hands-on experience.  Internships will begin March 2011 in spring semester.

Career Placement

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for mechanical service technicians is projected to grow at faster than average rates as older professionals retire and are replaced.  Opportunities are excellent for those who complete post-secondary training programs.  YBLC will work with each of our graduates to help them secure employment upon successful completion of the program.