LEO Hosts Roundtable in Flint to Discuss Growing Michigan's Defense Manufacturing Workforce

Defense manufacturing drives $30 billion in economic activity, supporting more than 166,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 businesses.

FLINT, Mich.— To adapt to a rapidly changing workforce and support the needs of Michiganders, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) held a roundtable in Flint with local, state and federal leaders to discuss how the local community can take advantage of the newly launched Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative, a $50 million partnership with the Department of Defense aimed at building a workforce ready to lead the future of defense manufacturing. 

"Michigan is a global leader in manufacturing and clean energy, making it a place that has the tools needed to lead the nation in defense manufacturing,” said Steve Brock, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Navy. “This partnership with the federal and local government will ensure that Michigan’s workforce remains a vital hub for economic growth and will support residents by investing in education, training and workforce development.”

The M3 Initiative is a comprehensive effort to revitalize and expand Michigan's maritime manufacturing capabilities. By leveraging the state’s educational institutions and rich industrial history, the initiative seeks to meet the Navy's growing demands while supporting economic development across Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Defense manufacturing in Michigan drives $30 billion in economic activity, supporting more than 166,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 businesses.

"Today’s roundtable provided an opportunity to discuss how local communities can capitalize on the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative to grow the economy and provide workforce opportunities for Michiganders,” said Susan Corbin, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “By equipping our workforce with the skills and knowledge required for cutting-edge defense manufacturing, we are paving the way for Michigan to achieve greater economic success. This partnership will not only increase the number of jobs in our state but also foster innovation and resilience within our communities.”

The M3 Initiative will focus on training workers in critical skills for maritime construction, particularly in maritime welding and machining, through local community colleges. It will also connect K-12 students with hands-on career and technical education, sparking interest in maritime manufacturing careers. Michigan’s community colleges are a recognized resource for developing and adapting training programs and will play a critical role in providing highly advanced and technical training to address the Navy’s manufacturing supplier chain talent needs.

“This initiative is more than just an investment in defense manufacturing; it's an investment in the people of Flint,” said Sheldon Neeley, City of Flint Mayor. “By providing our community with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving industry, this initiative will create good-paying jobs and more opportunities for our youth to benefit from for years to come. It will also support our small businesses and strengthen our neighborhoods while representing a brighter future for all of us, one where Flint stands strong as a leader in innovation and economic growth."

The M3 Initiative complements the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan, a comprehensive, all-access roadmap that lays out strategies and data-driven actions needed to build on Michigan’s success. It addresses critical areas such as education and training, job placement, and ongoing professional development, making sure that no individual is left behind. By aligning our workforce development efforts with the evolving needs of industries, the plan helps to create a resilient and adaptable workforce that can meet the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring Michiganders have the skills and support they need to make it in Michigan. 

“This Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative is a significant step forward in our mission to provide students with the best instruction and hands-on learning experiences in high-wage, high-demand programs,” said Chong-Anna Canfora, Executive Director, Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute. “We believe the M3 Initiative will have a profound impact on the Genesee County community, as it will create new opportunities for students, ensuring they have access to cutting-edge training and resources. This initiative will not only create high-quality jobs, but also inspire a new generation of skilled workers ready to lead the future of defense manufacturing.”

The M3 Initiative underpins the Navy’s commitment to strengthen maritime dominance by enhancing strategic training partnerships across federal, state and local entities while leveraging Michigan’s long-standing reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse. This work is being accomplished through partnership with local Michigan Works Agencies, community departments and builds on the already existing work being done to implement the statewide workforce plan.

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