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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!
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A skilled and adaptable workforce is critical for employers. While seasoned professionals bring invaluable knowledge, recent graduates who are eager to learn new skills, absorb knowledge and enthusiastic to start a new career can also bring value to a business.
Recent graduates entering a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) begin learning about the company culture, best practices and specific technical skills on day one, creating highly loyal and productive employees who know the business inside and out.
Employers who don’t have openings in their RAP but recruit recent high school graduates for positions that lead to a registered program opportunity, significantly broaden their talent pool and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
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Michigan CAT advocates for Registered Apprenticeship Programs and are leaders in attracting and integrating recent graduates into their workforce.
Join Ken Meerschaert on Monday, July 14 at 1 p.m. as he talks about proven recruitment practices that connect ambitious students and recent graduates with “earn-and-learn” career opportunities.
Register for the virtual event here.
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NICOLE GAILLIARD, INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS (IBEW) LOCAL 58
Nicole Gailliard, a Master Electrician with FEW Energy and a member of IBEW Local 58 for over a decade, is a vital asset to her team. She manages projects from estimating and permitting to meticulous execution, ensuring smooth operations and upholding Local 58's integrity.
Inspired by her father's dedication to the trades, Nicole became a passionate advocate for workers' rights and collective action within the union. She's most proud of attaining her Master Electrical License and Electrical Contractor's License, which deepened her understanding of the field and her commitment to supporting new contractors.
Nicole thrives on hands-on work, seeing projects materialize "one screw at a time," and values the collaborative spirit of her colleagues. She tackles challenges with honesty and teamwork, believing in the power of asking for help. Nicole advises aspiring electricians to "be curious, build relationships and embrace learning." She emphasizes seizing opportunities to learn and growing through career ups and downs.
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CDL-A TRAINING EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS MICHIGAN UNDER MiSPARC GRANT
The Michigan Statewide Pre-Apprenticeship "Ready for Construction" (MiSPARC) grant, led by the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), is successfully training unemployed and underemployed individuals for in-demand construction and transportation jobs.
MiSPARC uses a multi-pronged approach, including "Access for All," WIST and Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) training to connect participants with Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) for long-term career opportunities.
As of April 30, WDI's CDL-A training has enrolled 255 participants, with 144 individuals completing their training. Graduates are earning an average of $30.09/hour. Sixty percent of program participants identify as non-white, 20% are youth and many face prior criminal records or employment barriers.
WDI's partnership with IBEW Local 876 is yielding promising results, with an initial pilot seeing five of seven CDL-A trainee’s transition into Registered Apprenticeships. This success has led to increased referrals from IBEW and expanded class offerings due to high demand.
WDI also collaborates with Latin Americans United for Progress to provide bilingual training, further expanding accessibility and demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and community empowerment across Michigan.
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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.
For Eliza, a Registered Apprenticeship was a dream come true. She'd always wanted to go back to school and climb the ladder in healthcare, but money was tight. Thanks to her apprenticeship, and awesome support from her employer, Michigan Works! Macomb/St. Clair and the college, she's finally making it happen.
The incredible support system is one of the best parts of her experience. Her mentors at the clinic help her with everything, from signing up for classes to navigating the school portal. She's even gaining valuable office skills like mastering Microsoft Office.
Eliza's goal is a career in Medical Billing & Coding. She's enrolled in a Coding Professional program alongside her apprenticeship and plans to earn her Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification by 2026. With clear goals and a strong network behind her, she's excited for what's next.
"This program has given me the chance to grow professionally without the financial burden that would have otherwise held me back and I can't wait to see everything come together at the end of my Registered Apprenticeship Program," Eliza shared.
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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.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workforce Development (LEO-WD), based on guidance from the Michigan Apprenticeship Advisory Body (MAAB), endorses high-quality apprenticeship readiness programs with a Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate (MARC).
In Michigan’s race to talent, U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and high-quality apprenticeship readiness are recognized as proven strategies to accelerate skill development while providing the highest level of safety, quality, and return on investment. However, most pre-apprenticeship training does not connect with a RAP opportunity!
To encourage the expansion of high-quality apprenticeship readiness programs in the state, MARC endorsements are reserved exclusively for high-quality pre-apprenticeship training that connects participants with RAP opportunities upon pre-apprenticeship completion. MARC endorsed programs include:
MARC LEADERBOARD TOP 10
For more information on each of the MARC endorsed programs, please go to the MARC training programs page.
Complete the MARC Interest Form to have your Apprentice Readiness program MARC endorsed.
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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™ events here.
Michigan Career Educator & Employer Alliance Annual Conference
Hosted By: Michigan Career Educator & Employer Alliance (MCEEA)
Location: VanDyke Mortgage Muskegon Convention Center – 460 W Western Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
Date: June 16-18, 2025
Time: 12-2 p.m.
Join us for three days of engaging education, in-person networking and community building with your peers from around Michigan. Register for the MCEEA 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: June 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.
Learn more about MCTI at Michigan.gov/MCTI.
Be sure to visit the Registered Apprenticeship Michigan website to see the latest list of upcoming event.
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Resources to help you get started in Registered Apprenticeship.
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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.
Contact your local Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinator to assist your company with developing a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
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.
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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.
Find information about employers, labor trades and training providers approved for veteran educational benefits through the GI Bill.
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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