Delta's Fast Start™ Job Training Programs are a great way to gain some valuable skills that local employers are looking for. All programs are accelerated and range from 3.5 to 13 weeks. That means you can get the tools you need to start working faster.
Funding support for training costs may be available for those who qualify. Individuals are encouraged to visit a Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! offices in Bay, Midland, Saginaw Gratiot and Isabella counties to learn more about training options. Qualifications vary based on type of training.
Chemical Process Operator Fast Start™ – Apply Now!
Delta's Chemical Process Operator Fast Start™ program is designed to prepare individuals for a career as a Chemical Process Operator. Offered when area employers indicate they are ready to hire, this accelerated training program is run in collaboration with industry partners and Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and area employers. Fast Start™ job training is designed to get you in the workforce quickly – it's a 13-week, 40-hours-per-week program. The program typically runs 8am – 4:30pm and is only offered when multiple chemical industry businesses project a hiring demand. On average, we run two sessions a year.
This program is designed for individuals with a minimum of two years of manufacturing, skilled trades or technical work experience or two years of military experience in a technical field. Individuals with less work experience are highly encouraged to pursue the Chemical Process Technology Associate Degree.
Benefits of the program include:
- Half of the training is hands-on, in Delta's start-of-the-art lab.
- 95% of those who have successfully completed this program have received full-time job offers after training.
- You will earn 23 hours of academic credit toward Delta's associate degree in Chemical Process Technology.
Delta course | Credits earned | Tuition savings |
---|---|---|
CPI 120 – Introduction to Process Operations | 2 credits | You can save approximately $2,760 in in-district tution for these 23 credits. |
CPI 210 – Basic Chemical and Unit Operations | 4 credits | |
CPI 220 – Process Measurement | 3 credits | |
CPI 230 – Process Control | 3 credits | |
CPI 240W – Process Troubleshooting | 3 credits | |
CPI 250W – Advanced Chemical Operations | 4 credits | |
CPI 260W – Process Operations Management | 4 credits |
The program is 50 percent in the classroom and 50 percent Delta's main campus hands-on lab.
The objective of the training program is to have the student understand the following topics:
- Description of selected or typical chemical processes
- Chemical process operator roles and responsibilities
- Basic physics for chemical processes
- Valve types and operations
- Pumps and fluid flow
- Basic understanding of process instrumentation
- Heat exchangers
- Reactor operations
- Distillation and stripping
- Safety issues involved in process operations
- Quality assurance issues
This program is ideal for individuals with two years of prior work experience in a mechanical or technical field and a desire to work in the chemical industry. These positions require employees to lift 50 lbs, climb stairs, work shifts and have a commitment to safety and teamwork.
When the application process opens, you'll need to submit:
- Application
- High school transcripts, diploma, or GED
- Transcripts for each college you have attended, including Delta
- Résumé indicating one of the following scenarios:
- Associate's degree in a technical field PLUS one of the following:
- 2 years of manufacturing, technical, chemical or skilled trades experience OR
- 2 years of military experience in a technical field
- High school diploma or GED PLUS one of the following:
- 4 years of manufacturing, technical, chemical or skilled trades experience OR
- 4 years of Military experience in a technical field.
- Associate's degree in a technical field PLUS one of the following:
- WorkKeys Test Results - proof is required with application
- Minimum Score of 3: Applied Technology
- Minimum Score of 5: Applied Math, Workplace Documents, Geographic Literacy
All applicants are encouraged to visit a Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! office to speak with a case manager about qualifications for financial support for training. Financial support may be available to those who qualify.
Apply now
The chemical and semiconductor industry is experience a high number of open roles for Operators in the region estimating at least 60 open roles in the coming year. To fill these jobs which pay from $17-$25 per hour, they need trained people. After you complete this 13 week program you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Delta College and be eligible for employment for these roles. Participants in this program are guaranteed a job interview with regional employers and job placement rates for this program exceed 85%.
Dates/time: Starts Sept. 5- Nov. 30, 2023, Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, 40 hours per week, 13 week
program
Class Capacity: 16 students
Registration and payment deadline: August 23, 2023
Cost: $5,400. Not eligible for financial aid at Delta College. Participant may be eligible for funding
for training if qualified through Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!
Manufacturing Warehouse & Logistics Fast Start™ – Apply Now!
The Delta College Manufacturing Warehouse & Logistics Fast Start™ job training program is designed for an individual with little to no experience in manufacturing who is seeking an entry level position with the opportunity for advancement.
Employers have a high demand for logistics and warehouse employees with minimum starting pay rates for these roles $14 – $16 per hour. Job duties include: being the main point for movement of materials and packaging of products, prepare raw materials for operations, manually break down pallets of materials and products, arrange, stack and repackage materials, fork lift operation, knowledgeable and uphold health and safety standards, hands on and management of normal equipment maintenance; calibrate instrumentation; and handling of medium to heavy hand tools.
This program is designed for individuals with a minimum of two years of manufacturing, skilled trades or technical work experience or two years of military experience in a technical field. Individuals with less work experience are highly encouraged to pursue the Chemical Process Technology Associate Degree.
Training details
- 62 hours of training running Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm.
Due to COVID-19, safety precautions are implemented on campus and required of all participants including wearing of a face mask, daily health screening and social distancing. - Classroom and hands-on training at the Delta College main campus – a forklift training facility, and online learning. Online learning may be performed using personal computer or in a Delta College computer lab.
- Upon Completion of the program you will receive an OSHA 10 hour Safety Card, Fork Lift Certification and Delta College Manufacturing Warehouse & Logistics Fast Start™ Certificate of Completion.
Topics of the training program include:
- Safety
- Computer skills
- Basic math used in manufacturing
Hand and power tools - Units of measurement
- Procedure use
- Communication and interviewing preparation
All applicants are encouraged to visit a Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! office to speak with a case manager about qualifications for financial support for training. Financial support may be available to those who qualify.
Apply now
A minimum of 80 roles are vacant now for warehouse and logistics technicians. Get trained and ready to be hired by regional employers in less than two weeks with Delta’s Warehouse & Logistics Technician Fast Start™ program. After you complete this 40 hour training you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Delta College, earn an OSHA 10 Safety Card and be certified to drive a fork truck.
Dates/time: 40 hours total, Monday – Thursday, 8am – 4:30pm
May 8 – 18, Application due April 26
Class capacity: 20 students
Registration and payment deadline: 10 business days prior to class start date
Cost: $980
Participants must have a GED/High school diploma and be 18 years of age or older to
apply.

“It was my pleasure to attend the Delta Campus. You and your team of instructors are top notch. I feel privileged to have attended the Fast Start program. I just got the call today from Dow and I start July 12! Thank you so much for doing a great job in your program.”
Delta College Fast Start™ graduate