LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced Tuesday more than $107 million in funding commitments to train Michigan’s next generation of infrastructure workers, aiming to create thousands of good-paying jobs and build the workforce needed to support critical projects across the state.
The investment supports the Building Michigan’s Infrastructure Workforce (BMIW) program, led by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). The goal: to train 5,000 new infrastructure workers by 2030 to meet rising demand in broadband, clean energy, transportation, and water systems.
“Across Michigan, workers are rolling up their sleeves to fix roads and bridges, build clean energy projects, and expand access to fast, affordable internet,” Gilchrist said. “This $107 million investment strengthens our skilled workforce and helps every Michigander get the training they need for a good-paying job.”
The initiative builds on the newly released Michigan Statewide Infrastructure Workforce Plan. Several departments—including LEO, the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)—are partnering to deliver targeted training aligned with the state’s infrastructure goals.
Funding includes:
- $60 million through MIHI’s BEAD program to develop the broadband workforce;
- $35.7 million for utility and electric vehicle infrastructure training;
- $11.5 million for solar and clean energy career pathways;
- $11 million from MDOT for transportation infrastructure training.
Officials say the funding is a key step in delivering on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Directive 2024-1, which prioritizes both workforce development and infrastructure investment.
With $16.7 billion in federal infrastructure funding already flowing into the state, Michigan expects to create roughly 11,000 new jobs each year. Leaders say developing a skilled workforce is critical to delivering those projects on time and within budget.
“This is about preparing Michigan’s workers to lead the future of infrastructure,” said Susan Corbin, LEO director. “We’re proud to support a plan that opens more doors for Michiganders and builds a more prosperous state for everyone.”
