Registered Apprenticeship continues to offer high-wage career pathways for Michiganders

As demand for skilled workers grows, employers are turning to earn-while-you-learn programs to build and keep talent

LANSING, Mich. — As employers and workers navigate a challenging economy, Registered Apprenticeships are delivering results — helping Michiganders earn a paycheck while learning valuable career skills, enabling businesses to build the skilled workforce they need to grow. One year after program completion, Registered Apprentices in Michigan earn a media annual wage of nearly $90,000, demonstrating the training model’s significant impact for employees and employers.

“Michigan is working hard to help more people get the skills they need for good-paying jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “Through registered apprenticeships, Michiganders can earn a paycheck at the same time they are training for a career that will set them up for success. There are tens of thousands of skilled trades openings each year. That’s why we’ve invested in programs that prepare Michiganders for these roles from Michigan Reconnect, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and Going PRO to the Community College Guarantee. Let’s keep working together to expand opportunity and help more people ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is highlighting how Registered Apprenticeships combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing participants to learn in real time while continuing to earn income — all without taking on tuition debt. For employers, the model provides a direct pathway to train talent and improve long-term retention.

“Registered Apprenticeships are a powerful way for Michigan workers to earn while they learn, gaining real-world skills and credentials,” said Susan Corbin, director of LEO. “Employers who are not yet leveraging Registered Apprenticeships are missing out on an opportunity to build and retain a team of highly trained employees who are ready to contribute from day one. Registered Apprenticeship programs deliver real, measurable results for Michigan workers, businesses and the state’s economy.”

With an estimated 411,000 jobs in the professional trades projected by 2032, Michigan is showcasing how public and private organizations can work together to fill a need. Michigan is a national leader in Registered Apprenticeships, ranking #4 nationally with more than 23,000 active Registered Apprentices and over 800 programs spanning advanced manufacturing, construction, education, healthcare, information technology and more.

In industries like child care and healthcare, where workforce shortages remain persistent and demand continues to grow, Registered Apprenticeships help employers recruit, train and retain the talent they need to keep services running and communities supported.

“Creating awareness around Registered Apprenticeships is critical, because these earn-while-you-learn programs are one of the most effective tools we have to connect people with high-wage, in-demand careers,” said LEO Workforce Development Director Krista Johnson. “In Michigan, Registered Apprenticeship opportunities are available in every industry.”

Businesses across Michigan are seeing an impact. Child Care Network in Howell, which serves early childhood education centers across Michigan, is using Registered Apprenticeships to build a pipeline of qualified educators while supporting current staff in advancing their careers. Through the program, employees gain hands-on classroom experience, mentorship and structured training that prepares them to step into lead and assistant teaching roles.

“Registered Apprenticeships give Early Childhood Education staff the hands-on training and support they need to succeed, while helping us build a stronger, more stable workforce,” said Melissa Kerley, program coordinator at Child Care Network. “We’ve seen higher retention, more confident employees and clear pathways for advancement. It’s a solution that delivers for employers.”

In the healthcare sector, Quality Care Rehab and Autism Center in Macomb County is applying the Registered Apprenticeship model to train behavioral health professionals, helping address workforce gaps while improving care for children and families. The program provides employees with on-the-job training and tuition-free instruction, creating pathways into healthcare careers for those who may not have previously had access to higher education.

“Registered Apprenticeships have strengthened our workforce in a measurable way,” said Tatjana T. Savich, CEO and founder of Quality Care Rehab and Autism Center. “They allow us to train employees from the ground up and elevate the quality of care we provide. For employers, it’s a proven approach to building a skilled, committed team while creating real opportunities for growth.”

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

###