Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), has awarded $1.9 million in State Apprenticeship Expansion grant funding to workforce development partners.
This investment will directly benefit 287 Michiganders by providing access to earn-as-you-learn Registered Apprenticeship programs that offer life-changing career opportunities and pathways to high-demand, good-paying jobs.
Grant recipients include Networks Northwest/ Northwest Michigan Works! ($211,200 award to support the training of 32 Registered Apprentices); Oakland County Michigan Works! ($330,000, 50 apprentices); Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! ($574,200, 87 apprentices); West Michigan Works! ($567,600, 86 apprentices); and the Workforce Development Institute ($567,600, 86 apprentices).
“Registered Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of hands-on experience and classroom instruction to provide a solid foundation for a successful career,” said Debb Brunell, Chief Executive Officer, Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! “Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! and the entire Michigan Works! system is dedicated to helping businesses develop both non-traditional and skilled trades apprenticeships to ensure a diverse and highly skilled workforce for the future.”
“These State Apprenticeship Expansion Grants will help 287 Michiganders get the skills they need so they can earn more money and help businesses continue to grow right here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have made record, bipartisan investments to help more Michiganders get the education or training they need to find good-paying jobs. Together, we have expanded career and technical education in high-school, delivered tuition-free community college for all, and created more Registered Apprenticeships in every region of the state. Let’s keep driving down the cost of training and education so every Michigander can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
Registered Apprenticeship participants earn competitive wages with scheduled pay increases and national industry recognized credentials. Registered Apprentices in Michigan earn a median salary of over $80,700, with 94% remaining employed one year after completing their training.
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