National Apprenticeship Week showcases benefits of programs to gain in-demand skills leading to great jobs

Michigan is a national leader in apprenticeships and looks to expand opportunities

Media Contact: Dave Murray
517-243-7530 | murrayd5@michigan.gov

Nov. 8, 2017

LANSING, Mich – Michigan is among the national leaders in apprenticeships, and the state is working to grow the number of opportunities so more students gain in-demand skills without extensive debt while employers get the talent they need to grow and thrive, creating more and better jobs.

The state is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week from November 13 to 17, highlighting the value of registered apprenticeships and sharing information on programs available at community colleges and other training programs.

“Apprenticeships are a pathway to great jobs in Michigan, an opportunity to gain in-demand skills without accumulating significant tuition debt,” said Roger Curtis, director of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development. “National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to showcase the benefits of these programs as we expand opportunities to new fields and to more people.”

Michigan last year was awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand the number of apprenticeship opportunities for women, veterans and other underrepresented populations. The grant will expand a learning network for employers and intermediaries to grow apprenticeships in targeted industries and occupations including agriculture, construction, energy, healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing.

U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta visited apprenticeship programs in Grand Rapids and Battle Creek in August to observe best practices that can be shared with other states.

“Michigan has nearly 15,000 apprentices, and we’re working to reach even more people and help provide them with a brighter future,” said Wanda M. Stokes, director of the Michigan Talent Investment Agency. “Nearly 40 percent of Michigan’s job growth over the next five years will be through education and training programs like apprenticeships. These are fantastic opportunities for residents, and a great investment for employers.”

More than 20 events are planned during the week to highlight apprenticeships and share information on programs at community colleges and other area training centers. Apprenticeship success coordinators at Michigan Works! locations are also compiling local events. Additional details can be found at on the state’s Going PRO website and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Week website.

Scheduled events include:

• Monday, Nov. 13: A kick-off event with Director Stokes, U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, U.S. Labor Department leaders, labor leaders and employers at the Operating Engineers 324 Construction Career Center, 275 E. Highland Rd. in Howell, Mich. from 8-10:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 14: Facebook Live Webinar “Going PRO with Registered Apprenticeships” hosted by the Talent Investment Agency at 1 p.m. Tune in: www.facebook.com/MichiganTalentInvestmentAgency
• Wednesday, Nov. 15: Community colleges across the state are conducting open houses to highlight Professional Trades equipment obtained through a state grant.
• Thursday, Nov. 16: Businesses across the state are hosting events to celebrate the state’s Skilled Trades Training Fund program and Michigan Advanced Technician Training apprenticeship programs.
• Friday, Nov. 17: State leaders, employers and educators are recognizing students who have graduated the Michigan Advanced Technician Training program with a ceremony at the Michigan Library and Historical Center auditorium, 702 W. Kalamazoo St, Lansing, 10 a.m. to noon.