As the state’s official observation of Michigan Apprenticeship Week wraps up this weekend, both employers and potential employees are being encouraged to explore a paid apprenticeship program to help solve the skilled trades gap in the Great Lakes State.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier declared this week through November 14th as Michigan Apprenticeship week in order to highlight the vital role that registered apprenticeships play in supporting both employers who need skilled talent and Michigan’s workers who gain skills toward rewarding, high-demand and high-wage careers through apprenticeship programming. The governor is encouraging more Michigan residents to consider “earning while learning” through a paid apprenticeship program.
Whitmer says, “Registered apprenticeships offer a pathway to a great career for Michiganders while providing support for employers who need to be connected to skilled talent,” and adds, “Michigan is proud to be a national leader in using the Registered Apprenticeship model for skill development, and we’re excited for the new opportunities it brings to students, career- seekers, workers and businesses throughout the state as we continue to close the skills gap.”
Registered Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career training programs in which employers develop and prepare Michigan’s future workforce. Apprentices obtain paid work experience, related classroom instruction and a national industry-recognized credential upon program completion. Registered Apprenticeship programs enable employers to immediately begin a transfer of knowledge from current to future high value workers. Workers get a paycheck from day one while they build the right skills in a new career.
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Acting Director Susan Corbin tells us, “Michigan is among the nation’s leaders when it comes to our apprenticeship efforts, with more than 21,000 active apprentices in nearly 1,100 Registered Apprenticeship programs in 2019,” and adds, “By encouraging more Michiganders to explore rewarding apprenticeship opportunities, we can help more career-seekers gain in-demand skills without expensive tuition debt while employers get the skilled talent they need, creating more and better jobs.”
According to the most recent statistics available through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Management Data System, Michigan ranks third nationally in active apprentices (21,075), fourth in active programs (1,096) and ninth in new apprentices (6,335).
Michigan was recognized for its Registered Apprenticeship expansion efforts when LEO was awarded more than $14-million in federal grants in July. The state now has more than $19-million in federal funding to support programs and activities to accelerate the development of more than 6,000 registered apprentices over the next four years, focusing on opportunities for underrepresented populations including youth, individuals with disabilities and veterans. One state initiative, the Michigan Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Network, will develop 1,024 Youth Registered Apprentices and will ensure at least 124 of those apprentices are youth with disabilities.
Employers and labor offer registered apprenticeship opportunities and training in fields such as advanced manufacturing, construction, energy, healthcare, information technology and mobility, ensuring Michigan’s economy continues to grow and thrive.
Steve Claywell, President of the Michigan Building Trades Council, says, “Apprenticeship week is a great platform to showcase the Michigan Building Trades apprenticeship programs, as well as display how our programs provide pathways for historically under-served communities that have been left behind including women, communities of color and military veterans. Our union registered apprenticeship programs are second to none in training workers to become highly skilled, highly paid construction workers through debt-free, technologically-advanced education. These apprenticeships are earn-as-you learn programs that pay family-sustaining wages and provide healthcare coverage and retirement benefits. A skilled workforce is critical for Michigan’s economic future. The Michigan Building Trades apprenticeship programs are committed to providing a skilled workforce as we continue to build Michigan’s future.”
Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary Treasurer, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, says, “National Apprenticeship Week highlights one of the best opportunities to change your life and build a great career through earn-while-you-learn, hands-on training in the unionized skilled trades. Whether you are just out of high school or looking to start a new career, unionized apprenticeship provides the debt-free opportunity you deserve. Text MRCCAPP to (855) 424-2562 to apply today.”
Employers and job seekers interested in starting a Registered Apprenticeship program should visit http://www.Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.
