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Every day more Michigan employers are joining the “Race to Talent™.” Inside Track shares how these partners distinguish their current training in “Registered Apprenticeship Programs”, to help them win the race.

GET READY – GET SET – GROW!

IN THIS ISSUE…

• Fast Lane Feature: Workplace Safety for Apprentices
• Ask The Expert: Workplace Safety
• Racing Team Partners
• Winners Circle
• Make Your MARC!
• Race to Talent™ Events
• Upcoming Events
• Tune-Up Tips

Fast Lane Feature: Workplace Safety for Apprentices

Workplace incidents involving inexperienced workers can result in substantial costs. The Michigan Occupation Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), a state department that offers free resources to both employers and employees, reported 31 preventable deaths in 2024, highlighting a critical need for enhanced safety training that may reduce further incidents. Registered Apprenticeship Programs emphasize safety during on-job-learning. By cultivating a mindset that prioritizes a secure work environment and robust safety culture right from the start, these programs help participants develop responsible work habits that benefit the entire team. Registered Apprentices engage in occupational safety training to proactively identify hazards and follow safety protocols. This proactive stance lowers the probability of accidents, minimizes liability and boosts overall productivity. Demonstrating commitment to employee well-being through a safe workplace attracts talent and improves retention. Employers who prioritize the safety of their employees not only safeguard their workforce but also ensure a more secure future for everyone involved.

Ask The Expert: Workplace Safety

Ready to boost your workplace safety knowledge? Join us on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 1-2 p.m. for a webinar led by Tarah Kile, Director of MIOSHA’s Consultation Education and Training Division! With extensive experience at MIOSHA, including roles in enforcement and consultation, and prior experience managing safety programs for contractors and a safety training facility, Tarah brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Learn practical strategies for managing worker safety, navigating MIOSHA standards, and understanding behavior-based safety and hazard mitigation. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned safety expert! Register for the virtual event here.

Racing Team Partners

HOWARD HIPES, MICHIGAN TROWEL TRADES APPRENTICESHIP & TRAINING FUND Driven by a passion to empower the next generation of craftspeople, Howard has spent 37 years supporting skilled trades through his membership with BAC Local 2 MI and his dedication to Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). His passion for RAPs stems from a desire to encourage the next generation of craftspeople, a commitment evident in the work he does when recruiting aspiring apprentices, providing crucial education to journey workers and offering mentorship. Howard takes pride in his role as the Coordinator of the Apprentice Readiness Program in Flint, where he sees apprentices develop into skilled professionals. Outside of his job as the Statewide Director of Apprenticeship & Training, Howard is a licensed minister who enjoys outdoor sports and spending time with his family.

KARTAV PATEL, MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Kartav has dedicated the past three years to expanding Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and likes the career pathways RAPs offer, which benefit both employees and employers. He is most proud of his work in developing the Michigan’s Youth to Registered Apprenticeship pathway guide, increasing access for young career seekers to Registered Apprenticeship opportunities. Outside of work, Kartav enjoys staying active through basketball, softball, tennis, pickleball and weightlifting. He is also deeply involved in a historic community theater group in Detroit.

If you would like to be featured as a partner or know someone who should be featured, please let us know by emailing apprenticeship@michigan.gov.

Winners Circle

Mariya arrived in the U.S. with her 9-year-old son as a refugee from Ukraine in 2022 and was referred to Zaman International through the PATH program at her local Michigan Works! Service Center. With the support of both Zaman International and Michigan Works!, she enrolled in industrial sewing training, workforce readiness classes, and ESL instruction. She was provided with case management, basic needs assistance and other supportive services. Thanks to the support she received, Mariya achieved financial stability, improved her English language skills, completed workshops on mental wellbeing and nutrition education, and got her driver's license. Mariya’s hard work and dedication paved the way for her employment in Zaman International’s sewing factory as a sewing machine operator, and within one year she was accepted into the Registered Apprenticeship program. Mariya completed her apprenticeship in Spring 2024 and now leads special projects and serves as a mentor to her peers. She also oversees Stitch Lab, an experimental space where fashion ideas come to life and where students get pre-employment work experience. “I came to the US after the war in Ukraine with my 9-year-old son. I was anxious and scared, but ready to start a new life in America,” shared Mariya. “I studied and worked hard. Zaman and my Michigan Works! coach gave me the confidence be a Registered Sewing Apprentice and starting a career.” Mariya’s dedication to learning continues with her enrollment at Wayne County Community College working towards a degree in Fashion Design. “Mariya is an example of how Registered Apprenticeship Programs provide a career path for individuals with multiple barriers including language, transportation, childcare and cultural barriers,” explained Gigi Salka, Zaman International Chief Workforce Development Officer. “Registered Apprenticeships build on an individual’s past experience, passion for a particular career and sets them on a pathway for continuous improvement and success.”

If you have a Registered Apprenticeship success story or want to highlight your company's work with Registered Apprenticeships, please send a request to apprenticeship@michigan.gov.

Make Your MARC!

Not all Pre-Apprenticeship programs are the same . . . The Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate (MARC) endorses “high-quality” training programs that prepare individuals and connect them to Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) opportunities. Individuals receiving MARC Level I certificates are ready to enter a RAP in a specific industry sector and attain “advanced standing” for an interview, reducing recruitment time and cost for program sponsors. Individuals receiving MARC Level II certificates are ready to enter a RAP in a specific occupation, attain “advanced standing” for an interview, and if hired, receive credit for On-Job-Learning and Related Instruction, reducing RAP time and cost for program sponsors. See a list of endorsed MARC training programs here. Complete the MARC Interest Form to have your Apprentice Readiness program MARC endorsed.

Race to Talent™ Events

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.

Upcoming Events

Race to Talent™ Event

Hosted By: Michigan Works! Region 7B
Location: Riverwalk Place – 777 W Cedar Ave Gladwin, MI 48624
Date: May 13, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join us for the Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship Event, an exciting celebration and recognition event aimed at honoring employers in the Michigan Works! Region 7B region who are leading the charge in workforce development through registered apprenticeships. This event will showcase employers who are currently investing in the future of Michigan's workforce by providing hands-on, practical training in three critical sectors: Childcare, Manufacturing and Health & Human Services.

It’s an opportunity to network, learn and celebrate the businesses that are paving the way for the future of talent in Michigan. Register for the Michigan Works! 7B Race to Talent™ Event here. 

Race to Talent™: Unlocking the Power of Registered Apprenticeship!

Hosted By: Michigan Works! Southeast
Location: Oak Pointe Country Club – 4500 Club Dr., Brighton, MI 48116
Date: May 15, 2025
Time: 8-10 a.m.

Join us for an engaging morning dedicated to demystifying Registered Apprenticeship and showcasing its impact across all industries, not just the skilled trades! Representatives from Michigan Works! Southeast and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will be on-site to share key insights on the future of apprenticeship expansion and how it can be leveraged as a powerful talent development strategy.

Breakfast will be provided. Register for the Michigan Works! Southeast Race to Talent™ Event here.

Michigan Career & Technical Institute (MCTI) Open House

Hosted by: The Michigan Career & Technical Institute
Location: 11611 W. Pine Lake Road, Plainwell, MI 49080
Date: May 16, 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.

Race to Talent™ Event

Hosted By: SEMCA Michigan Works!
Location: Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital – 233 Biddle Ave., Rooms MPR A & B, Wyandotte, MI 48192
Date: May 19, 2025
Time: 9-11 a.m.

The event will begin with a networking breakfast, where students and teachers can learn more about the Medical Assistant, Pharmaceutical Technician and other Registered Apprenticeship Programs at Henry Ford Health. A brief discussion around State Apprenticeship Expansion will follow, with a focus on the programs at Henry Ford Health, and recognition of local apprenticeship leaders. An award presentation will then take place for the employer.

Recruiters will be on-site offering a facility tour. An application for next steps will also be provided for those looking to grow through Henry Ford Health Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Register for the SEMCA Michigan Works! Race to Talent™ event here.

Michigan Educators Apprenticeship and Training Association (MEATA) 2025 Spring Conference

Hosted By: MEATA
Location: Blue Water Convention Center – 800 Harker St. Port Huron, MI, 48060
Date: May 20-22, 2025

Please join us at the MEATA 2025 Spring Conference as we bring together those who utilize apprenticeship and other like workforce training solutions to grow and expand Michigan’s talent! MEATA will have a lot of great presentations and hands-on activities including apprenticeship tours that you do not want to miss. Register for the MEATA Sprint Conference here.

Race to Talent™ Event

Hosted By: Michigan Works! Macomb/St. Clair
Location: Blue Water Convention Center – 800 Harker St. Port Huron, MI, 48060
Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Discover how apprenticeships can help you build a stronger workforce, whether you're starting a new program or enhancing an existing one. Join this interactive workshop to hear success stories from local employers and apprentices, gain insights into building effective apprenticeship programs, and explore strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent. Register now to take the next step in growing your team through apprenticeships!

Race to Talent™ Event

Hosted By: Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium
Location: Otsego County Library, upstairs meeting room – 700 S Otsego Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735
Date: May 28, 2025
Time: 12-2 p.m.

Join us for an engaging Registered Apprenticeship Lunch & Learn and Race to Talent™ Celebration! This interactive workshop will highlight how apprenticeship programs can help you build a stronger, more skilled workforce—whether you're launching a new program or enhancing an existing one. Hear inspiring success stories from local employers and apprentices, gain valuable insights into developing effective apprenticeship programs, and explore strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn and take the next step in growing your team through apprenticeships. Register for the Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium Race to Talent™ event here.

National Apprenticeship Day

Be sure to visit the Registered Apprenticeship Michigan website to see the latest list of upcoming event.

Tune-Up Tips

Resources to help you get started in Registered Apprenticeship.

US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (USDOL OA)

The one-stop national source for connecting career seekers, employers, and education partners with national apprenticeship resources. Discover Registered Apprenticeships across industries, how programs are started by employers, and how to become an apprentice.

Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinators

Contact your local Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinator to assist your company with developing a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Registered Apprenticeship Interest Form

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.

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

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.

Michigan State Approving Agency

Find information about employers, labor trades and training providers approved for veteran educational benefits through the GI Bill.

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MiOSHA)

This website serves as a resource where employers can find preliminary information about MiOSHA reported fatalities, enabling them to build more hazard awareness and reduce the risk of similar workplace incidents.

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