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Welcome to Registered Apprenticeship Michigan’s newsletter, “Inside Track”. Our mission is to provide valuable insights of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), delve into the collaborative efforts of partners, and celebrate Michigan achievements in expanding the use of the training model. Through our newsletter, RAP stakeholders gain insight to additional program benefits, meet potential partners across the state and build stronger connections. Monthly issues will help more and more Michigan partners cross the Registered Apprenticeship finish line! |
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We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. An earlier version of this newsletter contained the wrong registration link to the Ask the Expert event. This has been corrected below.
Employer Associations can significantly increase the value by serving members as a Registered Apprenticeship Group Sponsor (also known as an Intermediary). As a Group Sponsor, associations help members “create a culture of learning” which can lead to improved recruitment, training, and retention efforts.
Association Group sponsorship facilitates rapid development of industry-relevant training that meets specific needs, validated by members, allowing them to more immediately fill critical positions with motivated employees. The good news is some associations are already using the strategy, have become Registered Apprenticeship Group Sponsors and are benefitting members!
If your association would like more information on becoming a Group Sponsor, please email apprenticeship@michigan.gov.
There are 552 Employer Associations in Michigan!
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Hear from Rachel Ruddock and Kelly Wendling about how the Michigan Primary Care Association is using USDOL Registered Apprenticeship Programs to grow a skilled workforce for the employers the association works with on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 1-2 p.m.
Register for the webinar here.
ROCHELLE GRAY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (WDI)
Rochelle Gray has served as the Assistant OSMIS Coordinator at WDI for almost a year. As a single mom, she has faced challenges that enabled growth. Her passion for her work stems from witnessing apprentices better their and their families’ lives. Rochelle works hard to make positive differences and help others achieve their goals. In a lighthearted manner she said, “I often tell my children that I serve as an assistant fairy godmother.”
During her time away from work Rochelle and her kids explore the outdoors and have become expert frog and toad catchers. Rochelle also enjoys visiting bookstores and reading books by her favorite author, Nora Roberts.
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CAMERON ALBRING, OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Cameron Albring has worked at Oakland Community College since 2010 and is currently Director of Career Services. She strongly advocates for the “earn and learn” training model, and believes career focused programs, such as Registered Apprenticeships, are a win for every partner involved.
Cameron enjoys seeing apprentices in a classroom and appreciates the natural partnerships that form with the employers she works with. She takes great pride in facilitating students' entry into pre-apprenticeship or Registered Apprenticeship Programs, as well as linking them to industry tours and employer sponsor interviews.
In Cameron's limited time away from work, she is with her family and stays active in each of Michigan's four stunning seasons.
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If you would like to be featured as a partner, please let us know by emailing apprenticeship@michigan.gov.
Forming strategic partnerships can be a powerful strategy for growth and sustainability. In the article "Five Reasons Your Business Should Have Strategic Partnerships," Chad Brooks explains that strategic partnerships can increase resources, strengths, financial resources, technology and expertise.
Partnerships can expand offered services, foster different ideas and perspectives which can lead to creative solutions and breakthroughs. Companies that align themselves with trusted partners can strengthen their image and attract new customers.
Goal: Think about a strategic partnership and what value you bring to each other.
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Hanna first learned about becoming a Line Clearance Tree Trimmer after her grandmother shared information she had watched on the news about a Tree Trim Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
“It took more than a year from the time I applied for the academy to being offered a position at Kappen Tree Service, a company contracted by DTE,” shared Hanna.
Before starting at Kappen Tree Service, Hanna was uncertain about her career pathway. She quickly learned that she didn’t enjoy college and being confined to one spot every day was unbearable. Hanna knew she enjoyed outdoors work where she could engage her mind and body through activities like gymnastics, climbing, lifting, plants and physics.
Hanna loves the apprenticeship program where all those elements are intertwined. She has been working as an Apprentice Line Clearance Tree Trimmer at Kappen Tree Service for the past 10 months and credits her grandma for her support.
“I have become more disciplined, resilient, assertive, safety-conscious, and less anxious. I believe the best is still ahead of me,” shared Hanna. She is most proud of her personal growth and earning her Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
“Hanna is a small package with a big punch,” shared Jason Kappen, Kappen Tree Service co-owner. “Hanna is fantastic. She has a great attitude, an ambitious heart and determination.”
Hanna's advice to those entering a similar apprenticeship program is to be a sponge, keep an open mind and recognize that discomfort is an unavoidable part of learning.
“Don't mistake a rough patch as something you don't like because having discomfort shows where there’s room for growth," said Hanna. "Stick with uncomfortable situations because those situations can mold you into someone who doesn't avoid challenges.”
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If you have a success story that you would like shared in an upcoming newsletter issue, please send it to apprenticeship@michigan.gov.
Registered Apprenticeship offers a great pathway to careers in transportation. View more information on Transportation Registered Apprenticeship Programs here.
2022-2032 occupational openings projected for Transportation in Michigan:
392,210
Registered Transportation Apprenticeship Occupations
Registered Apprenticeship Programs are proven to accelerate the development of critical skills while ensuring the highest level of safety and return on investment for employers who drive success in the Transportation industry.
- Bus Operator
- Motor Vehicle Inspector
- Railroad Conductor/Safety Inspector
- Storage & Distribution Inspector
- Transmission Mechanic
- Heavy Truck Driver
- Tune-Up Mechanic
- Automotive Tech Specialist
- Industrial Truck Mechanic
- Transit Bus Technician
For information on Registered Apprenticeship occupations, please complete the Registered Apprenticeship Michigan Interest Form to talk with a Group Sponsor (Intermediary).
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Great Lakes Design and Construction Expo
Hosted by: Construction Association of Michigan & Home Builder's Association of Southeastern Michigan
Location: Suburban Collection Showplace
Date: Feb. 12, 2025
Time: 7:30 - 11:15 a.m.
This free event will bring together residential and commercial contractors, home builders, suppliers, and service providers and provide the tools you need to support your continued growth and success in Michigan's construction industry. Register for the expo here.
Michigan Career & Technical Institute (MCTI) Open House
Hosted by: The Michigan Career & Technical Institute
Location: 11611 W. Pine Lake Road, Plainwell, Michigan, 49080
Date: Feb. 19, 2025
MCTI provides individualized career development, education, training, and support services for individuals with disabilities preparing for and engaging in competitive integrated employment. Call 877-901-7360 to reserve a spot for the self-guided tour.
Ask The Expert: Starting a Registered Apprenticeship Program with a Group Sponsor
Hosted by: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Date: Feb. 24, 2025
Time: 1 - 2 p.m.
Joining a Group Sponsor (Intermediary) program can help expediate the development of training customized to your needs for immediate implementation. Hear about next steps from industry experts. Register for the webinar here.
Be sure to visit the Registered Apprenticeship Michigan website to see the latest list of upcoming event.
Successful Race to Talent™ events bring together business, labor, education, community and workforce development leaders who contribute to an in-depth discussion around stakeholder benefits from using the Registered Apprenticeship training model to grow needed talent for business success. Event participants contribute by following a structured outline proven to:
- Raise Awareness of the numerous stakeholders benefits the training model provides
- Recognize Partners by introducing those in the region and/or sectors already using the model to accelerate skill development and business success
- Recruit New Partners whose organizations can benefit from using the training model
Find more information on Race to Talent™ event here.
If you have any upcoming events that you’d like highlighted, please let us know by emailing apprenticeship@michigan.gov.
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Resources to help you get started in Registered Apprenticeship.
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The Department of Labor (DOL) fosters and promotes the welfare of the job seekers, wage earners, and U.S. retirees by improving their working conditions, advancing their opportunities for profitable employment, protecting their retirement and healthcare benefits, helping employers find workers, strengthening free collective bargaining, and tracking changes in employment, prices, and other national economic measurements. In carrying out this mission, the Department administers a variety of Federal labor laws including those that guarantee workers’ rights to safe and healthful working conditions; a minimum hourly wage and overtime pay; freedom from employment discrimination; unemployment insurance; and other income support.
Contact your local Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinator to assist your company with developing a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
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The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities. LEO’s mission statement is to expand economic opportunity and prosperity for all.
Want to learn more about Registered Apprenticeship? Please use the link to be contacted by a local Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinator who can answer any questions you may have about RAPS.
Find information about employers, labor trades and training providers approved for veteran educational benefits through the GI Bill.
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