LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The state’s Office of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) newest annual report shows growth in its labor force training programs. 83,000 Michiganders received job training through state workforce programs in 2023.
Last year, 296,000 Michiganders took part in the state’s training and resource programs, an 18% increase from 2022.
Stephanie Beckhorn is LEO’s Director in the Employment and Training Office. She said each year, the report gives the department an idea of how the state training programs are running and the number of people and businesses using LEO’s resources.
“We’re connecting with individuals that need resources and services and we’re also supporting businesses so that they can get access to the individuals that have this knowledge skills and abilities.” Beckhorn said. “that is improving our labor force participation, that is ensuring that there are 167,000 workers with skills, knowledge, and abilities that employers can hire. That means that that employer can stay in Michigan.”
As a part of workforce growth initiatives, the Office of Employment and Training has been tasked with helping workers navigate the path to individualized workforce education and training in multiple fields.
The state works with local Michigan Works, adult education programs, and community rehab to give people access to everything from on-the-job training and classroom-based education to registered apprenticeships.
Participation in state training programs is up 45% from the year before, with 15,000 people completing training programs in the Upper Peninsula.
“It’s not just one size fits all,” Beckhorn said. “We are servicing individuals we’re customizing the services we give them. Do you need training? what type of training do you need? And helping 83,000 individuals successfully complete training.
She said the report shows progress in their overall goal to improve the state labor force participation, lower unemployment, and increase education rates.
Beckhorn says the office is now focused on improving connected services like education and childcare, to ensure anyone can take advantage of job training that could improve their employment opportunities.
