Six organizations recognized for commitment to Michigan workers through Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Six organizations recognized for commitment to Michigan workers through Registered Apprenticeship Programs 

LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Office of Apprenticeship in Michigan recognized six organizations for their commitment to benefitting the state’s current and future workforce through the use of Registered Apprenticeship.

The Registered Apprenticeship Celebration Event, an important part of Michigan’s new “Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship” campaign, celebrated employers, sponsors and program intermediaries for their leadership in using this training model to develop highly-skilled workers in Michigan.

Since 2019, LEO has received more than $27 million in USDOL funding to support Michigan’s State Apprenticeship Expansion efforts.

“Registered Apprenticeship plays an important role in developing and preparing Michigan’s future workforce, so it’s entirely appropriate and fitting that we recognize those who are leaders in this effort,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “The opportunities created through Registered Apprenticeship are now available through a variety of fields that are crucial to Michigan’s future, including construction, energy, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and mobility.”

Employers recognized for their commitment to Registered Apprenticeship included Precision Plumbing & Heating Systems of Traverse City and Veritas Vineyards of Jackson. Medbio of Clinton Township and Pontiac-based Williams International were also recognized as employer sponsors of USDOL Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Industry Intermediaries GST Michigan Works! and the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN) were also honored for their efforts to assist employers in determining skill needs and workforce trends, and then working with them to develop apprenticeship programs that are registered through the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship in Michigan.

Russ Davis, State Director of the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship in Michigan, welcomed and congratulated representatives from spotlight organizations who stressed the importance of Registered Apprenticeships for both themselves and their apprentices.

“Precision is very excited about the implementation of Precision Plumbing & Heating’s Tech Academy for plumbing and HVAC apprentices,” said Precision public relations representative Cindy Weber. “Precision’s goal is to provide its stellar group of technicians with all the resources they need to be successful so they can enjoy long careers in this honorable industry. We are so proud of our apprentices and look forward to watching their journey unfold.”

“The USDOL Apprenticeship Program has helped us revise our employee training programs to ensure we are providing the most thorough, meaningful training possible,” said Reanne Asbury, Human Resources Manager for Veritas which plans to expand its program to 45 registered apprentices in 2022. “This not only helps us retain our employees, but it also provides them with the skills they need to advance their careers.”

“Our registered Tool Maker Apprenticeship Program allows us to recruit, develop and retain a new generation of highly-skilled team members to support our continued business growth while ensuring the apprentice gains education and hands-on experience,” said Michelle Debbs, Human Resource Manager for Medbio which is actively recruiting for Toolmaker Apprentices.

“Having a DOL registered apprenticeship is important to Williams International as it allows us the ability to impart years of knowledge onto the next generation of skilled tradespeople,” said Williams International Human Resource Generalist Courtney Galecki.

“The best part of building apprenticeship programs is working with employers who are dedicated to shaping the talent they need while also investing in the ongoing learning of their company,” said Wanda Bigelow, GST Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinator.

“Our intermediary creates, registers, and manages Registered Apprenticeship Programs, while seeking eligible funding for employers,” said Amanda Bauerschmidt, Workforce Project Manager for WIN, which is providing intermediary services to 29 companies. “WIN creates a comprehensive and cohesive workforce development system providing employers with the talent they need. We’re helping career seekers build lifelong skills, while getting paid and acquiring minimal to zero student loan debt.”

The event also provided an opportunity to highlight the benefits realized by employers who utilize Registered Apprenticeship to recruit and train Veterans, transitioning military members and eligible family members for new employment opportunities. Veterans are disciplined team players who can strengthen any employer's business, and GI Bill-approved organizations that want to hire Veterans can provide an added incentive to those who have existing GI Bill benefits.

Registered Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career training programs in which employers develop and prepare Michigan’s future workforce. Apprentices gain paid work experience, related classroom instruction and a national industry-recognized credential upon program completion. The programs help employers begin an immediate transfer of knowledge from current to future high value workers. Workers get a paycheck from day one while they build the right skills in a new career.

For more information on Registered Apprenticeship in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.