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July 27, 2026
MiRESTART initiative will support 680 justice-involved individuals with employment and training services that lead to in-demand, high-skill jobs
LANSING, MICH. — Today, the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced the state has received a $5.1 million federal grant to launch a program that will prepare at least 680 justice-involved adults for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, construction and infrastructure, shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing.
The Michigan Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (MiRESTART) initiative will establish a coordinated, statewide reentry workforce program providing services across all 83 counties. LEO received the $5.1 million U.S. Department of Labor grant award in partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Michigan Works! Agencies and the Workforce Development Institute.
“MiRESTART represents exactly the kind of innovative, forward thinking initiative Michigan needs to grow a strong, inclusive and highly-skilled workforce,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “By opening doors for justice-involved individuals to enter high demand fields, MiRESTART strengthens our talent pipeline and helps employers meet critical labor needs. The coordinated statewide approach ensures participants receive the training, support, and real work opportunities they need to secure good paying, long-term careers.”
The MiRESTART Initiative will serve 680 justice-involved individuals, resulting in an estimated 100 Registered Apprentices statewide, with employment and training services that lead to in-demand, high-skill, high-wage employment opportunities.
“Preparing justice-involved individuals to be successful is one of our department’s core missions, and we have had the opportunity to see the positive impact programs like MiRESTART can have on individuals, families and communities,” said MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington. “We know that a good-paying job is a key indicator of success for parolees and probationers, and we look forward to connecting those under our supervision with these resources. When individuals have steady employment and stable living conditions, the chance of them committing a reoffense decreases, creating safer communities across Michigan.”
MiRESTART will prepare justice-involved adults, aged 25 and older, for skilled trades positions in Michigan's highest-demand industries as well as information technology and artificial intelligence-aligned roles. The program will deliver industry-aligned training, pre-apprenticeship, Registered Apprenticeship, work-based learning, career planning and supportive services.
“MiRESTART is more than a workforce program — it’s a belief in the resilience of Michiganders and the promise of opportunity,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “By investing in justice-involved adults and opening pathways into Michigan’s most innovative and high demand industries, we are unlocking talent that too often goes overlooked.”
Shipbuilding has been identified as a priority industry for MiRESTART, building on the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative and the Michigan Industry-Driven Skills and Training Program. In support of shipbuilding and related marine manufacturing, MiRESTART will place special emphasis on welding, marine fabrication and electrical, and industrial maintenance occupations.
The state’s 16 Michigan Works! Agencies and the Workforce Development Institute will coordinate services, working with industry partners to support job placement, retention and expanded second‑chance employment opportunities for program participants.
“We look forward to meeting MiRESTART’s goals by supporting sustainable employment outcomes, expanding access to careers in in-demand occupations, and strengthening economic resiliency for returning citizens across our state,” said LEO Workforce Development Director Krista Johnson. “Providing access to these supportive services plays a crucial role in reducing recidivism and driving their economic self-sufficiency while contributing to our state’s economic success.”
The MiRESTART Initiative supports the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan, the Michigan Statewide Infrastructure Workforce Program and the Governor’s Sixty by 30 initiative, aligning with Michigan’s goals to rapidly scale high-demand talent pipelines, offering significant value to program participants, employers and training partners.
To learn more about LEO’s workforce development efforts, visit Michigan.gov/Workforce.
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