The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week from Nov. 17-23 by recognizing the impact of Registered Apprenticeships on the state’s workforce and economy. There are more than 21,600 active Registered Apprentices and over 800 unique programs in Michigan, making the state home to the sixth-highest number of active Registered Apprentices in the nation.

Since 2019, LEO has invested more than $90 million in state and federal funding to support the growth of Registered Apprenticeship programs in Michigan. With more than 520,000 jobs and 45,500 annual openings in the professional trades expected by 2030, Registered Apprenticeships are an essential part of the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan and a rewarding career path for thousands of Michiganders.

“Registered Apprenticeships offer a critical pathway for Michiganders to build meaningful careers while earning a competitive wage,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “Through programs that offer on-the-job learning paired with classroom instruction, individuals can acquire skills in high-demand fields without incurring student debt and Michigan’s businesses gain a talented, well-trained workforce to drive their success.”

Registered Apprenticeships are an industry-driven, high-quality career training model in which employers develop and prepare Michigan’s future workforce. Registered Apprentices gain paid work experience, related classroom instruction and a nationally industry-recognized credential upon program completion. Employers interested in building their skilled workforce through Registered Apprenticeships in Michigan should visit Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

Operating Engineers 324 Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice Amanda Updike was looking for a career change. After 13 years as a veterinary technician, she decided to move to a career as an operating engineer and came in to discover a world of possibilities for women in the trade.

“As a high-school student, I had been told that college was the only path for a woman after graduation, and I was surprised to see so much support in the industry,” Updike said. “There are so many opportunities, especially for women, and there are so many options in the Operating Engineers to find the thing you love and are good at while having financial freedom because apprentices are earning money.”

While many may associate registered apprenticeships with traditional trades like carpentry, plumbing and electrical work, Michigan offers a diverse array of opportunities that extend well beyond these fields. Today’s registered apprenticeships include specialized paths in fields such as healthcare, information technology and golf course management. These programs allow individuals to build careers in industries that align with their passions and interests while acquiring the hands-on experience and certifications needed for success. By broadening the scope of registered apprenticeship offerings, Michigan is making rewarding career pathways accessible to a wider population and ensuring the state’s workforce remains versatile, innovative and aligned with the needs of a rapidly changing economy.

“Michigan Golf Course Association knows how important golf is to Michiganders and tourists,” said Jada Paisley, Executive Director of Michigan Golf Course Association. “To keep our courses in top-notch condition, we must get more people involved in the art and science of agronomy to consider job opportunities at golf courses. Our registered apprenticeship program opens the door to help golf courses increase their workforce and offer advanced career opportunities.”

Investing in Registered Apprenticeships reflects Michigan’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive economy where every resident has the opportunity to build a rewarding career. These initiatives include targeted outreach to veterans, youth and individuals hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, English language learners and those without a high school equivalency credential. As a result of these workforce initiatives, Michigan provides employment services to more participants than any other state in the Midwest and is number two in the nation for helping adults get employed.

"Working as an apprentice has had a profound impact on my life, affecting me as a person, mother and a worker,” said Ameena El Helo, sewing apprentice at Zaman International. “It taught me the fundamentals of garment construction, fabric handling and machine operation. With hands-on experience and expert guidance, I started developing the skills required to master sewing and garment creation."

Registered Apprenticeships are part of LEO’s unique All-Access approach to solving complex workforce problems and improving economic outcomes across the state by addressing structural challenges and removing barriers preventing people and businesses from reaching their full potential.

To learn more about Registered Apprenticeships and other workforce development programs and resources, visit Michigan.gov/AllAccess.