IRCP School and Tuition Assistance Information

Textbooks have been developed for IRCP1, IRCP2 and IRCP3 courses.  Please DO NOT purchase any textbooks for IRCP classes.  

Employees participating in the Industrial Readiness Certificate Program may utilize their Personal Development Assistance (PDA) funding to cover tuition, subject to the terms below. 

Click here for IRCP Policies and Procedures

Full-Time and Temporary Active Tuition Assistance IRCP Eligibility 

  • All full-time active UAW represented hourly employees who have acquired seniority (90 days of employment), and Temporary UAW-represented employees are eligible as of the 90th day following the date of hire or rehire. 

                                    

IRCP Personal Development Assistance (PDA)

The PDA feature of tuition assistance provides for prepayment of tuition and approved fees for IRCP classes that improve or enhance a member’s position in the workplace. 

  • IMPORTANT DEADLINE – Applications for IRCP tuition assistance must be submitted prior to class start date.  They may be submitted as early as 60 days prior to start date.

  • PDA will cover the approved tuition and fees of each approved class only once.  Subsequent applications for the same class at a later date or at another institution will be rejected.

    • If an employee drops the class with the school and is entitled to a tuition refund, that refund may be applied to the same class at a later date.  School tuition refund policies differ.  Visit IRCP School and Tuition Assistance Information  and click on the school to view their school tuition refund policy.

  • Courses with the same term start date may be submitted on the same application.  Courses with different term start dates require separate applications.  See registration information in School section of IRCP School and Tuition Assistance Information for term start dates. 

  • When an application(s) is approved, a voucher(s) will be issued.  The voucher is used as payment for the     class.  See vouchers section on next page for instructions on voucher use.

  • There is no tuition reimbursement.  Employees should not pay for classes before requesting tuition assistance. 

Class Descriptions

Although all 3 courses can be taken simultaneously, it is not recommended due to the time commitment necessary (class time plus homework/study time). The suggested course sequence is IRCP1 & IRCP2 followed by IRCP3.  Reminder, students who drop courses outside the tuition refund period, will have to pay for classes out of pocket if they wish to retake them.

  • IRCP-1 Shop Arithmetic (32 hours)* – Review of basic arithmetic, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, signed numbers, grouping, square root, ratio and proportion, flat and round tapers, simple and complex gear ratios; practical industrial shop problems are employed.

  • IRCP-2 Machine Tool Blueprint Reading (32 hours)* – An introduction to blueprint reading; interpretation of various kinds of lines, position of views, symbols, conventions, dimensioning practices, auxiliary views and symmetry with emphasis on techniques employed to show details in relation to assembly drawings.

  • IRCP-3 Trade Related Preparation (48 hours)* – Preparation for a career in the trades is assessed through an overview of industrial processes.  A review of math, blueprint reading, and measuring tools relative to shop application are major components of this course.  Students receive diagnostic evaluation through testing in these major areas.

*Hours are class time hours and do not include homework/study time.*

 
Step by Step Process Employee Must Follow for Registration and Tuition Assistance

Click here for detailed process instructions

  1. Decide on school and courses to attend each term

  2. Apply for tuition assistance; wait for approval (2-3 business days)

  3. Register with the school, once approved

    • If the class is full, check back after the voucher due date to see if seats open up

  4. How to release electronic tuition voucher to school for payment by voucher due date (will vary by school)

  5. Obtain textbooks from LJAC Rep

  6. Attend courses

    • Follow school course drop process, if necessary

    • Notify Tuition Assistance Dept. if courses are formally dropped to adjust voucher

  7. Submit transcripts of courses to LJAC rep, once all courses are complete

 
Schools that Offer the Program and How the Classes are Taught
 
On campus or online independent study – what type of class is best for me?

On Campus, Instructor Led – traditional method of learning

  •    Interactive classroom environment, instructor teaches material

  •    Attend classes on established days and times

  •    Student tests on campus

Online Independent Study – self paced

  •    Limited interaction – student reads study guides, takes section tests online

  •    Email and phone support for questions

  •    Students can access study guides & section tests 24/7

  •    Final exam information is available from Penn Foster

  •    Things to consider for online independent study courses

    •    Am I an independent learner who does not need classroom structure?

    •    Do I have good time management skills and will not procrastinate?

    •    Do I have good reading and typing skills?

    •    Do I have basic computer and internet skills?

    •    Do I have access to a computer, laptop or tablet and internet access?

Students may take courses at multiple schools and may take both online and on campus courses.

Listed below are schools that offer the courses and attached registration info and class schedules – Click on school for school specific information (Printable)

TUITION ASSISTANCE 

How to Apply for Tuition Assistance:

Employees must apply for tuition assistance online at www.myuawford.com.  Application processing time is 2-3 business days.

 

VOUCHERS

Click here for instructions on electronically releasing the voucher

Once classes are approved, an Official Tuition Voucher will be issued to the employee.

  • Voucher(s) will be available 2-3 business days after application submission.

  • Employees who have opted to receive text or email communications from the system, will receive a communication their voucher is ready.

Textbook Information

IRCP1 – Shop Arithmetic, IRCP2 – Blueprint Reading, and IRCP3 – Trade-Related Preparation classes

Books for IRCP1, IRCP2 and IRCP3 will be available at the Local Union Hall prior to class start date.  Days/times announced in the plants.  Member will have to bring proof of school registration to receive books. 

Online Penn Foster courses utilize different material available online as a part of the course.

IRCP Books are:

IRCP 1 – Shop Arithmetic (Basic Shop Math Workbook)

IRCP 2 – Machine Tool Blueprint Reading (Basic Blueprint Reading for Machine Trades Workbook)

IRCP 3 – Trade Related Preparation (Test Preparation Manual for the Skilled Trades; Pre-Apprentice Training Math Supplement)

 

Who to Contact with Questions

  • Questions regarding the IRCP and course content – Contact the plant Local Joint Apprentice Coordinator

  • Questions about tuition assistance and book reimbursement – Contact your Local ESSP/EDTP representative, the UAW-Ford tuition assistance office at  (313) 392-7000 or email: edtp@uawford.com

  • Questions concerning the online tuition assistance application system – Call the UAW-Ford tuition assistance office at (313) 392-7000 or email:  edtp@uawford.com

  • Questions about registering for the classes, important school dates, transcripts – Contact the school directly.  Contact information is in the Schools section above