The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) proudly joins states across the country in celebrating National Youth Apprenticeship Week (May 5-11), recognizing the invaluable contribution the Registered Apprenticeship training model makes to our state's workforce and economy. With more than 520,000 Michigan jobs and approximately 45,500 annual openings in the professional trades projected by the year 2030, it has never been more important to shine a light on Registered Apprenticeships as a rewarding career opportunity.

"National Youth Apprenticeship Week serves as a reminder of the vital role apprenticeships play in preparing our youth for successful careers while meeting the demands of Michigan's evolving economy and growing workforce," said LEO Director Susan Corbin. "By providing registered apprenticeship opportunities, we are empowering our workforce to thrive in high-demand, high-wage industries, providing businesses the skilled talent they need to operate and ensuring Michigan remains globally competitive.”

Since 2019, LEO has invested $90 million in state and federal funding to support the growth of Registered Apprenticeship programs in Michigan. These investments expand the use of Registered Apprenticeship in non-traditional sectors and occupations, creating opportunities for Michiganders throughout the state with focused efforts to support veterans, youth and those most severely impacted by COVID-19, including women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, English language learners and individuals without a High School Equivalency credential.

Jobs are key to unlocking opportunity and for many Michiganders that starts with a Registered Apprenticeship. LEO is committed to helping young Michiganders enter the high-demand, high-skill careers they need for lifelong success while ensuring businesses have the talented workforce they need to thrive. There are currently nearly 20,000 Registered Apprentices in Michigan and more than 800 Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Michigan has the seventh-highest number of active Registered Apprentices in the nation.

“Registered Apprenticeships are an amazing opportunity provided through Michigan Works! and I am truly happy to be a part of it,” said Emily Linn, who is an Upper Peninsula resident and currently participating in a CNC Machine Operator Youth Registered Apprenticeship. “More women should be a part of the trades. We too can make an impact in this male-dominated field”.

“I was a groundskeeper without any mechanical background before joining the apprenticeship,” said Ashley Moll, Operating Engineers 324 Stationary Engineer Apprentice who is currently working at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, “but I wanted to learn a trade and have a good paying job where I wasn’t stuck behind a desk. This apprenticeship has been invaluable to me. Classroom education, paired with hands-on experience has taught me so much. I feel far more confident than I ever have with just schoolwork alone. My coworkers are eager to share their knowledge as well, and I highly recommend a registered apprenticeship to anyone considering it. It has been so worth it!”

“I saw heavy equipment and knew that working on them would always keep my interest,” said Operating Engineers 324 Technician Apprentice Karl O’Bryant, currently in the second year of his Registered Apprenticeship with Hoffman Brothers in Battle Creek. “Since the first day of my apprenticeship, I’ve just been learning like crazy – everything I can, about the systems that powers these big machines, and how to keep them running. I get paid to learn things and gain knowledge. I get to do something I love, learn everything I can about it, and make a great living, thanks to Registered Apprenticeship.”

Michigan remains steadfast in its efforts to strengthen the Registered Apprenticeship system, collaborating with employers, educational institutions, organized labor partners and community partners to enhance training opportunities and meet the evolving needs of our economy. Thanks to these efforts, Registered Apprenticeships have expanded across a wide variety of industries into more than 1,200 occupations, including careers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, construction, education, energy, healthcare, information technology, mobility, and many others.

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, please visit Michigan.gov/AllAccess.