The Michigan Industry-Driven Skills Training Program (MIDSTP) is a federally funded and state-supported initiative designed to strengthen the maritime manufacturing and shipbuilding workforce in Michigan. Through MIDSTP, the state is investing in training programs that prepare workers for high-demand roles in shipbuilding, marine systems and advanced manufacturing.

Employers eligible to participate and receive training cost reimbursement from MIDSTP must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a Michigan-based employer in Shipbuilding and Maritime Manufacturing, recreational boating, and/or advanced manufacturing for parts used in shipbuilding and the maritime industry
• Become an active member of the Michigan Maritime Employer-Led Collaborative
• Commit to recruit and train new hires and/or upskill current employees
• Participate in the identification of employee training needs
• Collaborate with other ELC employers to develop a training strategy to meet the employee training needs, identify how the training will be provided (e.g., in-house training, third-party training provider, or a combination), and identify the total training cost
• Agree to report training and employment outcomes to the Michigan Works! Agency (MWA) and LEO’s Office of Employment & Training (LEO-E&T) for the purposes of reimbursement and grant reporting requirements; provide necessary data to the state to calculate employment outcomes

In addition to meeting eligibility requirements listed above, participating employers are also responsible for:

• Assessing critical industry workforce development needs
• Determining necessary skills and industry recognized postsecondary credentials
• Identifying the appropriate training and working with LEO-E&T to develop it
• Providing training or partnering with a training provider to do so, as applicable
• Recruiting employees and new hires and assessing eligibility to participate in training that leads to skill gains and career advancement.

All training supported through MIDSTP must result in an industry‑recognized postsecondary credential.

This requirement ensures every participant — whether a newly hired worker or an incumbent employee — leaves training with a portable, validated credential that supports long-term employment in the maritime and shipbuilding sector.

The program’s period of performance is March 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029. All training must conclude by December 31, 2028, to meet the period of performance end date.