Nov. 3, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates.
Today we are putting the spotlight on one of our own. John Doane has only 20 days left with GRCC Job Training students as he is retiring in December after 33 years of inspiring others.
“When I started at what was then GRJC in January of 1989, I was an instructor for the Furniture Finishing Program for GRJC Occupational Training. It was located in a small building over on the corner of Leonard and Ball,” he said.
Doane has seen a lot of changes at both GRCC and in the field of construction trades training over the last three decades.
“The requirements for our faculty now include both industry experience but also credentials in teaching. This really elevated our level of teaching. Another major shift was when our programs became eligible for financial aid. Most of our students qualify for some financial help, if not all of their program getting paid.
“The big changes in the construction industry have really focused on safety. We never used to teach anything on safety, if you can believe that! Now we teach OSHA 10 and safety protocols on a daily basis. The other change has been in the area of sustainability, energy efficiency and green building practices. Both of these have been winning improvements for the students.”
Doane started the Intro to Construction Job Training program in 2002, when Job Training moved into the Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC. It was the first program GRCC offered in the construction trades. Now Job Training offers Residential and Electrical as well.
“I really found my calling when I switched from manufacturing to teaching. The best part of this job is working with students. I love interacting with students! Helping them, seeing them flourish and seeing them get opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t have gotten had it not been for our programs. I love teaching!”
Doane will be retiring but will still have his hand on a hammer. His daughter is an interior designer and has an Airbnb business, and he’ll be helping her expand her business.
Doane and his wife, who also recently retired, love to travel, and will be doing some of that too.
“I’ve been very fortunate. The faculty, staff and supervisors I have worked with have been a joy!”
Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800.