LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – This week, Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week.
Michigan is 6th in the nation when it comes to registered apprenticeships, according to LEO, with over 21,000 apprenticeships through 800 different programs in the state.
Stephanie Beckhorn, the senior deputy director of LEO said apprenticeships are the perfect way to get classroom and on-the-job training at the same time.
“We want to meet people where they’re at. there are many pathways to obtaining skills and getting a good quality job, and that’s really what we’re focused on.” Beckhorn said. “You are earning wages from day one and you’ll receive technical instruction in the classroom that you will immediately apply in your job setting.”
With new projects underway across the state, it’s estimated over 500,000 new jobs will be created between now and 2030, most of which will be skilled labor jobs, perfect for people who have completed apprenticeships in the trades.
Statewide, $90 million has been invested into job training programs and workforce and employer support since 2019, and $1.5 million for over 300 apprenticeships in the U.P. over the past few years.
“They are a great model to fill these job openings and help our employers in the up help grow and expand their businesses,” Beckhorn said. “This is really the all-access michigan that we really want our workforce and our employers to know.”
Apprenticeships aren’t just for trades workers. With help from apprenticeship success coordinators from Michigan Works!, LEO has apprenticeships available for careers in agriculture, education, health care, tech, recreation, and hospitality, to help any michigan gain the knowledge they need to succeed.
To get more information you can visit your local Michigan works! Or go visit: michigan.gov/apprenticeship
