SEMCA Celebrated Partnerships & Workforce Innovations at a Race to Talent™ Event

Regional employers and community leaders gathered for the Race to Talent™ event hosted by SEMCA, a celebration of growth and success within the local Registered Apprenticeship ecosystem. The event highlighted the strategic value of the Registered Apprenticeship training model, showcasing how intentional mentorship and structured training provide a clear ROI for Michigan businesses.

A primary highlight of the day was hearing directly from registered apprentices about their professional journeys. These firsthand accounts provided unique viewpoints on how Registered Apprenticeships bridge the gap between initial interest and high-level technical mastery.

One of the most moving stories featured was that of Olivia, a Nurse Assistant registered apprentice at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. Olivia shared how the Registered Apprenticeship Program served as a turning point in her life, providing the stability and balance needed to transition from a stay-at-home parent to a clinical professional.

In 2023, after the end of a 10-year marriage, she found herself navigating life as a newly single mother, facing uncertainty while carrying the responsibility of providing for her children. After years as a stay-at-home mom and working in a contingent role at a dental office, she made the brave decision to rebuild her life and pursue a dream she had held onto for years: becoming a nurse.

In October, she returned to school full-time to complete her prerequisites. Determined to understand healthcare from the inside, she applied for and was accepted into a Registered Apprenticeship opportunity at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

That experience became a turning point, affirming her purpose in patient care and giving her confidence that she was exactly where she belonged. The program provided more than job experience; it created stability and balance, allowing her to work, attend school, and care for her children while building a new life.

She will begin her nursing program and continue her career at Henry Ford Health—an inspiring testament to the power of opportunity to change lives.

By integrating hands-on experience with her prerequisites, Olivia gained the skills to thrive in a high-demand healthcare environment. Her success underscores the power of these programs to cultivate a steadfast workforce from non-traditional talent pools.

The event also featured insights from leadership at Henry Ford Health, who described the Registered Apprenticeship model as a "game-changer" for building a sustainable talent pipeline.

" Our partnership with SEMCA is a cornerstone in our commitment to cultivating a robust and skilled healthcare workforce. Registered Apprenticeship Programs are truly a game-changer for Henry Ford Health; they are instrumental in building a pipeline of talented professionals while simultaneously empowering our current team members with unparalleled opportunities for growth and advancement.

By seamlessly integrating hands-on experience with formal education, Registered Apprenticeships provide meaningful pathways for upskilling and career mobility, fortifying our workforce from within.

We are profoundly grateful for partnerships like SEMCA's that enable us to develop such impactful opportunities, fostering not only professional development but also a true sense of belonging for our entire organization.”  -Catherine Susko, VP, HR Planning, Development & Belonging   

The Race to Talent™ event proved that when employers invest in people through the Registered Apprenticeship model, the results are beneficial for the individual, the company, and the Michigan economy.