LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – As National Apprenticeship Week highlights workforce training programs across the country, Michigan officials say registered apprenticeships are continuing to expand, particularly in rural regions like the Upper Peninsula.
More than 250 active apprentices are currently training in the U.P., working in industries ranging from construction and health care to advanced manufacturing. State leaders say those programs are helping both workers and employers by building a stronger, more localized workforce.
“In Apprenticeship Week, we have the opportunity to really celebrate the great training option that registered apprenticeships offer,” said Krista Johnson, director of workforce development with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
The state recently announced a $4 million investment to grow registered apprenticeship programs, with the goal of supporting more than 600 additional participants statewide.
Officials say the model is effective because it allows participants to earn wages while developing job-specific skills, often without taking on student debt.
“Apprenticeship is really a great pathway opportunity because it offers the individual the opportunity to earn while they learn,” Johnson said.
According to state data, 94% of apprenticeship participants remain employed one year after completing their program, with median wages exceeding $80,700.
In the Upper Peninsula, leaders say apprenticeships can play a key role in keeping workers in their home communities while helping small and mid-sized businesses fill critical job openings.
“Registered apprenticeships give an opportunity for individuals in the Upper Peninsula to get a job right in their own communities,” Johnson said.
Officials encourage job seekers and employers interested in apprenticeships to connect with their local Michigan Works agency or visit the state’s apprenticeship website for more information.
