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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 Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a powerful way to foster talent. The success of RAPs includes selecting the right training provider for Related Instruction (RI), the classroom-based learning that complements hands-on experience.
Choosing a training provider begins with identifying the RAP occupation(s) and examining the company’s existing skill gaps. Employers can then consider a preferred delivery model (in-person, online, hybrid or internal company training) and then ensure the RI aligns with the On-Job-Learning.
When selecting an RI provider, employers should prioritize those with a strong reputation and track record by speaking with other employers who have RAPs, evaluating the curriculum customization, flexibility of classes offered and apprentice support.
Group Sponsors can also assist employers that want to turn their existing training into a RAP by RI provider identification, program setup, registration with the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship, and program administration, ensuring compliance. Best of all, this service comes at no cost!
Employers that want to work with a Group Sponsor to find training partners and establish their own RAP can GET READY here!
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EMS REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS AT LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE
In 2023, Lansing Community College – Health and Human Services Division (HHS) developed a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and began providing tuition for 25 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Registered Apprentices – first responders, fire medic and paramedics – at the Lansing Fire Department.
“These innovative, high-quality RAPs helped address our critical workforce shortage of emergency healthcare workers in Mid-Michigan,” said Dr. Will Emerson, Director of HHS Apprenticeships and External Partnerships. “Careers in Emergency Medical fields provide stable, largely recession-proof, middle class careers with room for advanced training and promotion.”
EMS jobs are a natural fit for RAPs since those careers focus on mentorship, on the job training and classroom instruction. However, some healthcare employers were apprehensive at the idea of applying this training model to their respective fields. To address this, it was important to illustrate how RAPs can act as a career ladder for employees and show the benefits to employers such as higher employee retention.
Funding for the Registered Apprenticeships was provided by a United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Strengthening Community College Grant. Additional funding was coordinated through Capitol Area Michigan Works! and the Workforce Development Institute.
On National Apprenticeship Day 2025, Lansing Community College HHS celebrated their growing relationship with the East Lansing Fire Department, including videos with Olivia Skowronek, Training Chief at the East Lansing Fire Department and Fire Medic Registered Apprentice Erika Everest.
“They help me and teach me and let me run basic calls. It’s kind of a building process of getting to be a paramedic,” shared Erika.
According to Jake Callahan, Director of EMS programs at LCC, “EMS is a rewarding career for individuals with a passion for service. These Registered Apprenticeship Programs afford our students the opportunity to purse that passion, supported by the community they aim to serve.”
This strategic approach to developing robust workforce pipelines, through meeting the needs of community partners, will contribute to the welfare and safety of our community and the capitol region for years to come.
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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.
Michael had a clear goal – to launch a career in electrical work through a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). His journey began when he connected with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, expressing interest in an electrical RAP.
Apprenticeship Specialist Jeremiah Johnston provided Michael with essential coaching and resources, guiding him toward applying for the RAP opportunity. Michael took the initiative to enroll at Kirtland Community College, building a foundational skillset.
Concurrently, Michael began working with Career Navigator Christina Southwell to refine his resume, hone his interview skills and secure tuition assistance to alleviate financial barriers.
Behind the scenes, Jeremiah successfully registered P&C Prime with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship for a Substation Electrician Registered Apprenticeship – creating the very opportunity Michael was interested in.
After two successful interviews, P&C Prime offered Michael the position. Today, Michael continues to thrive as a registered apprentice, completing his final semesters at Kirtland with continued tuition support from Michigan Works!.
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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, 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.
Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!
Location: Mount Clemens Public Library – 150 Cass Avenue Mount Clemens, MI, 48043
Date: July 23, 2025
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Grow Your Childcare Business with Apprenticeships! Ready to build a stronger, more qualified team in early childhood education? Join us for a panel session on how registered apprenticeships can help you attract and retain skilled staff. Hear directly from local employers, educators and apprentices about what’s working in the field and how you can apply these strategies to grow your business. Register for the Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! 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: July 31, 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.
2025 Michigan CTE Summer Conference
Hosted By: Michigan Department of Education
Location: Boyne Mountain Resort – 1 Boyne Mountain Road, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
Date: Aug. 3-5, 2025
The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Summer Conference is designed for secondary and postsecondary CTE teachers and faculty, CTE administrators and school counselors. Register for the Michigan CTE Summer Conference here.
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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