Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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May 06, 2019
WHEREAS, estimates show that Michigan will experience a Professional Trades talent gap, which includes more than 545,000 job openings by 2026, due to the emergence of new technologies and retiring baby boomers; and,
WHEREAS, Professional Trades careers let you leverage your talents and work ethic to help design and build a future that is vital to keeping Michigan healthy, strong and growing; and,
WHEREAS, good-paying jobs in Michigan don’t always require a four-year degree, but most good-paying careers require some sort of postsecondary education credential, be it a federally-recognized apprenticeship, industry recognized certification or two-year associate degree; and,
WHEREAS, Professional Trades careers pay about 45 percent higher than other occupations with a median salary of $54,000, providing stability to Michiganders with little to no student debt; and,
WHEREAS, high-skilled, high-demand registered apprenticeship program opportunities will continue to be afforded to Michiganders by Organized Labor with supporting programs such as Going Pro; and
WHEREAS, careers in the Professional Trades include opportunities in emerging industries like information technology, computer science, health care, advanced manufacturing, construction and automotive; and,
WHEREAS, throughout this week we aim to elevate the perception of Professional Trades and showcase the variety of rewarding career opportunities available when you commit to work in a Professional Trade or apprenticeship in Michigan;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 6-10, 2019, as Going PRO in Michigan Signing Week to acknowledge, honor and encourage high school seniors who are pursuing postsecondary education and skills training in order to enter a career in the Professional Trades.