Employers encouraged to explore Registered Apprenticeships to build a skilled and reliable workforce

Michigan celebrates National Apprenticeship Day with nearly 9,400 new apprentices and more than 850 programs

LANSING, Mich. — In celebration of National Apprenticeship Day on April 30, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is recognizing the critical role Registered Apprenticeships play in growing the state’s workforce, economy and competitiveness. Nearly 9,400 Michiganders joined Registered Apprenticeships in 2024 — the most in a single year — building on a growing momentum to connect people with good-paying jobs in long-term career pathways and businesses with the talent they need to grow.

“Registered Apprenticeships are a proven strategy for helping employers build a pipeline of highly skilled, motivated and dedicated talent,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “By combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, these programs help businesses develop their workforce to meet their specific needs, increase retention and reduce hiring costs. Michigan is proud to be a national leader in expanding high-quality apprenticeship programs that support our employers and strengthen our economy.”

Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, earn-while-you-learn career training model in which employers develop and prepare Michigan’s future workforce. Registered Apprentices gain paid work experience, related classroom instruction and a nationally recognized industry credential upon program completion.

To spotlight the significant impact the training model delivers for workers and businesses, LEO has partnered with the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics to publish the 2025 Registered Apprenticeships in Michigan report. Among its findings:

• There were a record 20,600 active registered apprentices in Michigan in 2024.
• Nearly two-thirds of active registered apprentices are in the construction industry (65.4%).
• Several industries saw record numbers of new registered apprentices. Health care and social assistance and public administration, both nontraditional industries, each set record marks for new registered apprentices in 2024.
• In total, more than 130 occupations had at least one registered apprentice in 2024.

"Michigan’s workforce development is about ensuring everyone has access to the training and opportunities that lead to good-paying, in-demand jobs,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “Our growing Registered Apprenticeship programs are a critical part of that mission, and we will continue to break down barriers and increase access to these valuable career pathways. Every dollar we invest in apprenticeship programs is an investment in Michigan’s future, creating a highly skilled, workforce and expanding economic opportunities across the state.”

While Michigan ranks 10th nationally by population, the state ranks fourth in the number of active U.S. Department of Labor-approved Registered Apprenticeship programs, with over 22,000 apprentices currently participating across more than 850 active programs statewide. The state also ranks sixth in the nation for both new apprentices and completions. In 2024, more than 2,500 individuals completed their apprenticeship programs. One year after completing their training, median annual earnings of workers trained through Registered Apprenticeships in Michigan are over $80,700.

Registered Apprenticeships are a great way for employers to build a skilled and reliable workforce. For every dollar invested in a Registered Apprentice, employers see a return on investment of $1.47. Registered Apprenticeships help employers build trust among their staff. As a result, 94% of apprentices who complete a Registered Apprenticeship in Michigan retain employment with their organization. That can be music to a company’s ears, as the cost to replace an employee can range from half to twice the position’s annual salary, according to Gallup. One $60,000 position could cost up to $120,000 to replace — a cost that can add up quickly across a workforce.

"At Detroit Home Builders, we see Registered Apprenticeship as the cornerstone of Michigan’s future," said AnThony Legins, President of Detroit Home Builders LLC. "Through structured training and real-world opportunities, we’re not just building a skilled workforce — we’re building leaders who will drive Michigan’s next generation of growth and innovation." 

“As the largest provider of long-term care and short-term rehabilitation in Michigan, MediLodge is committed to providing care for our elderly population across the state,” said Heidi Lowe, Talent Acquisition Project Director. “To provide this specialized care, which is vital to our residents, we offer a career path for those new to healthcare and those nurses who desire to advance their clinical skill sets. Our Registered Apprenticeship Programs have helped 98 certified nursing assistants and nurses achieve the added training needed to support our initiatives in keeping healthcare a strong sector in Michigan.”

"Zaman understands the value that Registered Apprenticeship programs provide to a low-income population with limited English proficiency,” said Gigi Salka, Chief Workforce Development Officer at Zaman International. “Our sewing, culinary and baking Registered Apprenticeship programs provide an opportunity for marginalized women to grow their technical and work readiness skills. It provides them with a career path they would not be able to get in a traditional training environment. Investing in apprenticeships isn’t just about passing on skills — it’s about shaping a workforce that understands quality, craftsmanship and the future of the industry from the ground up. It also provides Zaman with a skilled, reliable workforce that drives quality, reduces turnover and strengthens the long-term competitiveness of our organization."

“As Vets Access grows its presence in the home access industry, we’ve seen firsthand how essential a well-trained, professional workforce is to our success,” said Darren Corcoran, Chief Operations Officer with Vets Access LLC. “Our Registered Apprenticeship Program was created to help our field staff develop expertise while providing a clear pathway for career growth. As demand in our industry continues to rise, this program not only helps legitimize the important work we do but also sets us apart by offering a meaningful career path that delivers real-world skills, opportunities and long-term advancement for our employees.”

Michigan’s Registered Apprenticeship programs go far beyond the traditional paths of carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Today, individuals can build skills in healthcare, information technology, education and even golf course maintenance — all through hands-on training that leads to industry-recognized credentials. By expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities across a wide range of sectors, Michigan is helping more people turn their passions into professions while building a workforce that’s adaptable, innovative and ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

With nearly 518,300 Michigan jobs and approximately 40,600 annual openings in the professional trades projected by the year 2032, Michigan is taking action to prepare its workforce for the future. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s fiscal year 2026 budget recommendation includes a $19 million investment to expand Registered Apprenticeship in Michigan. If approved by the Legislature, this investment would allow the state to support at least 1,800 individuals and 130 employers, opening doors for more Michiganders to get the training they need to succeed.

LEO’s Registered Apprenticeship expansion efforts have helped scale programs that break down barriers for women, people of color, English language learners, individuals with disabilities and those who do not yet have a high school diploma or equivalent. LEO remains focused on building an equitable workforce where opportunity reaches every corner of the state.

Registered Apprenticeships align with the state’s first-ever Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan and are part of LEO’s unique All Access approach to solving complex workforce problems. The plan lays out a strategy to help more Michiganders earn credentials or degrees, grow access to the middle class and make Michigan a top 10 state for labor force participation.

Michiganders and employers interested in exploring Registered Apprenticeships should visit Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship and complete theinterest form.

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