We all know a mother’s advice can sometimes change the entire direction of a young person’s life.
On Monday, we shared the story of an Oakland County mother who spends her days helping people find educational and career opportunities. When she heard about one particular program, she realized the person who might need it most — was her own son.
At 28 years old, Zavier Myles knows his way around machines that once may have looked more than a little intimidating.
“When I first started, I had a lot of doubt,” Zavier said. “I really didn’t know the difference between a Phillips or a flathead. I didn’t really even know how to work with my hands.”
Now, Zavier is a third-year apprentice at ANCA in Wixom, configuring high-tech grinding machines to meet each customer’s specifications.
But before the wires, hydraulics and computer systems, there was a young man out of high school, working odd jobs and still trying to figure out what came next.
That’s when Mom stepped in.
“I’m doing dishes, and my mom calls me, and she was like, ‘There’s this pre-apprenticeship program going on at OCC.’”
Tamara Myles is the director of Oakland80, an initiative that helps residents find the education or credentials they need to build a career.
When she learned about Oakland Community College’s free, five-week pre-apprenticeship program, she thought of her own son.
“I thought, you know what? He can get paid and go to school at the same time,” said Tamara.
Zavier admits the word “free” got his attention.
So did the fact that the program lasted just five weeks and connected students directly with employers.
“The pre-apprenticeship program sets students up really for those earn-and-learn models,” said Cameron Albring with OCC.
And for Zavier, that model worked.
“If I can get in, learn what I can, and get out into the workforce as soon as I can, it’s a no-brainer,” Zavier said.
Three years later, the son who didn’t want to go back to school is earning while he learns and working toward a degree. His mom says watching his confidence grow has been the real reward.
“Especially now. He’ll always have a job,” Tamara said. “The demand for skilled trades is never gonna go away. Even though they got robots, somebody is operating the robots.”
“I’m proud of him. I just think he is doing the damn thing. Look at my baby.”
“I got the skill, and I got the know-how,” said Zavier. “I got the grit now to endure and just do whatever I put my mind to. That’s how she raised me.”
Oakland Community College’s next five-week program kicks off next week. That one is full, but another will open in January. For more information, go to Oaklandcc.edu and search for industrial readiness.
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