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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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Updating U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Standards is vital for compliance and effectiveness of an employer’s training as it outlines On-Job-Learning (OJL), Related Instruction (RI), wage scales and program duration.
Updates to USDOL RAP Standards should take place whenever employers see advances in new technologies or job roles, improved training methods, wage adjustments to keep up with economic changes, and adding or removing registered occupations.
Updating new occupations, registered apprentice status and progress, program information, requesting or updating Davis-Bacon Certifications, and editing course listings from Related Instruction (RI) providers can be accomplished using RAPIDS, the Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System.
USDOL, Michigan Office of Apprenticeship (MI OA) is the key contact for both initial program registration questions and approval, and significant program modifications or complex issues that fall outside of routine data entry.
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Michigan’s mechanism for notifying state Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) sponsors is communication via LEO-WD’s email system that allows RAP sponsors to indicate interest in the Eligible Training Provider Listing (ETPL) called Michigan Training Connect (MiTC). In full partnership with the Office of Apprenticeship (OA), Michigan, information is distributed periodically to all RAP sponsors, at a minimum, annually. The communication includes information to:
- Encourage sponsors to list RAPs on MiTC.
- Explain RAPs will reside on MiTC as long as the program(s) remains registered, or until the sponsor notifies MiTC to remove the program(s).
- Explain LEO-WD’s State Apprenticeship Expansion (SAE) team’s relationship to the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Michigan Office of Apprenticeship regarding services.
In addition to MiTC notification, the communication shares access to RAP partner resources:
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Michigan State Approving Agency for veteran’s utilization of GI Bill® educational benefits
- On-the-Job Training, Related Technical Instruction, and supportive services resources:
- Free services to help employer sponsors build pathways into their RAPs:
MICHIGAN WORKS! NORTHEAST CONSORTIUM
Building a Skilled Workforce for Northeast Michigan
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium focuses on building a stronger workforce in Northeast Michigan by offering services to help employers create Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and by prioritizing and understanding the changing needs of both employers and job seekers.
The agency partners with employers who want to distinguish their existing company training as a RAP and provide "concierge services" to ensure programs align with industry standards and USDOL OA requirements. Assistance includes:
- Helping pinpoint roles within a company ideal for RAP development.
- Creating unique training plans that integrate seamlessly with operations.
- Ensuring registered apprentices receive necessary classroom and technical instruction.
- Connecting employers with state and federal funding opportunities, including RAP expansion grants, to offset training costs.
Customized Programs in Action
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium has partnered with numerous businesses in the Northeast to create customized RAPs.
- Developed with multiple healthcare employers, the Medical Assistant RAP competency-based program allows registered apprentices to advance as skills are mastered, ensuring consistent, high-quality training across diverse healthcare settings.
- Tailored for various contractors, Electrician RAPs have been created for commercial, industrial, and substation electrical systems, addressing critical needs in new construction and infrastructure.
- To address the local shortage of qualified childcare staff, RAPs have been developed for Childcare Development Specialists and Early Childhood Education Managers.
Employer Testimony
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium celebrated Scribbles & Giggles Daycare, LLC, a company with five Early Childhood Educator registered apprentices!
"We appreciate the aid of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium in getting our first Registered Childcare Apprenticeship implemented so we can add value to our Early Childhood Program” - Jennifer Wilson, Director.
Job Seeker Services
For job seekers, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium provides access to a wide array of Registered Apprenticeship opportunities—not just in traditional skilled trades, but also in growing fields like healthcare, early childhood education, and manufacturing.
Services for job seekers include:
- Registered Apprenticeship information sessions where job seekers learn about the benefits and pathways.
- Career exploration workshops that allow job seekers to discover available RAP opportunities that align with interests.
- Resume Workshops where experts help with refining resumes for Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.
- Success stories & employer spotlights that are inspired from real-life outcomes and discovering potential employers.
Strong Partnerships for Quality Training
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium actively collaborates with community colleges, career tech centers, trade schools, and other training providers. The agency's goal is to ensure the Related Instruction (RI) component of RAPs is high-quality, industry-aligned, and, whenever possible, credit-bearing.
Collaboration with educators and employers to ensure:
- Training reflects current industry standards and prepares registered apprentices with in-demand skills.
- Evening, weekends, hybrid, and online class formats are available to support working registered apprentices.
- RI structures are in place that allow registered apprentices to earn college credit toward certificates or associate degrees, promoting long-term career growth.
Looking Forward
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium envisions Registered Apprenticeships as a cornerstone of Michigan’s workforce development strategy, bridging education and employment to foster economic growth and individual prosperity. Looking ahead, RAPs will continue to expand into nontraditional sectors, including healthcare, technology, advanced manufacturing, and emerging roles like millwrights and dental assistants.
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium has a continued commitment to:
- Work with businesses to create RAPs that meet specific workforce demands.
- Ensure registered apprentices earn stackable, industry-recognized credentials that promote lifelong learning and long-term career growth.
- Lead and support the continued growth of RAPs by providing expert guidance, fostering innovative program models, and ensuring the training model remains a dynamic and inclusive pathway to meaningful careers across Michigan.
Employers interested in learning more about how Registered Apprenticeships can benefit their business, or job seekers interested in receiving resources about RAP opportunities can contact Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium today!
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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.
Mobile Field Trip Leads to Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities
For many high school students, the search for a career begins before or shortly after graduation, as they seek work opportunities to learn a trade or choose a major for their college path. Two young carpenters started their journey with a field trip that came right to their school.
Patrick Gass - Local 706
For Birch Run high school student Patrick Gass Local 706, the Mobile Field Trip (MFT) in 2022-2023 was a game-changer. Having learned about it from his woodshop teacher, Patrick was eager to explore the union-backed program and its hands-on tools.
The MFT introduced him to the world of Registered Apprenticeships, sparking an interest that would become his future. Now a registered apprentice with the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, Patrick earns a high wage, receives great benefits, and is doing something that he loves.
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Gabriel Corradi - Local 687
At Allen Park High School, Gabriel Corradi discovered his future through a surprise Mobile Field Trip (MFT). He and his friends had a great time with the hands-on challenges and were introduced to "The Other Four-Year Degree”, a RAP.
Intrigued by the idea of earning while learning, Gabriel joined the RAP at the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights Local 706 where he's gained valuable experience and earning a good wage with benefits.
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Recommendation
Both Patrick and Gabriel highly recommend the Schools to Tools program to educators and students around the state so more students can follow their path and become registered apprentices - building a career as they earn while they learn.
Since Labor Day 2023, the Schools to Tools program has reached over 40,000 students and educators with its Mobile Field Trips at more than 200 events statewide.
Additionally, nearly 900 educators have received State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) credit through training that teaches them about union skilled trades and Registered Apprenticeships as a viable career path for students.
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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.
Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) Open House
Hosted By: MCTI
Location: 11611 W. Pine Lake Road, Plainwell, Michigan, 49080
Date: Wednesday, August 20
Time: Call 877-901-7360 to reserve a spot
Visit MCTI, a training program that offers a unique blend of support services and state-of-the-art training for jobs needed in business and industry today. MCTI provides individualized career development, education, training, and support services for individuals with disabilities preparing for and engaging in competitive integrated employment.
GST Michigan Works! Race to Talent Event
Hosted By: GST Michigan Works!
Location: GST Michigan Works! Administration Building (3270 Wilson Street, Marlette, MI, 48453)
Date: Tuesday, August 26
Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
GST Michigan Works! is showcasing Aspire Rural Health Care's two Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and five Surgical Technician Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). The healthcare employer is also working on creating new RAPs for Radiologic Technologists and Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse. Aspire Rural Health Care will be part of a panel discussion to explain how and why they created and invested in these valuable apprenticeship programs.
Northwest Michigan Works! Race to Talent Event
Hosted By: Northwest Michigan Works!
Location: Northwestern Michigan College Innovation Center (1701 College Drive, Traverse City, Michigan, 49686)
Date: Wednesday, August 27
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Join Northwest Michigan Works! Race to Talent Lunch & Learn Workshop to discover how Registered Apprenticeship Programs can fill workforce gaps. A panel of employers and apprentices will share firsthand experiences. The Northwest Michigan Works! Apprenticeship team will also be on hand to discuss requirements and next steps.
2025 Michigan Works! Annual Conference
Hosted By: The Michigan Works Association
Location: Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center (100 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007)
Date: Sunday, September 7 –Tuesday, September 9
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
You are invited to be a part of Michigan’s largest workforce development conference and make the connections you need to drive your business forward. This year, we are in Kalamazoo, MI! Join us as we celebrate partnership, trust and collaboration between the thousands of agencies that continue to strengthen, train and support Michigan's workforce.
Michigan Works! Southwest Race to Talent Event
Hosted By: Michigan Works! Southwest
Location: Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center (100 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007)
Date: Monday, September 8
Time: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Join Michigan Works! Southwest at the upcoming Race to Talent Event as they celebrate the impact of Registered Apprenticeship Programs across the Southwest region! This special occasion will spotlight employers who are leading the way in non-traditional Registered Apprenticeship occupations. Attendees will also hear directly from Employer Sponsors and registered apprentices during an engaging panel discussion, where they’ll share valuable insights, success stories, and best practices for building and sustaining effective Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
SEMCA Michigan Works! Race to Talent Event
Hosted By: SEMCA Michigan Works
Location: The Oakwood Group (9755 Inkster Road, Taylor, MI, 48180)
Date: Thursday, September 25
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
SEMCA Michigan Works! is excited to celebrate the Registered Apprenticeship Program at The Oakwood Group and hear from their leadership and registered apprentices on how their program has assisted their team with growing a quality workforce, locally!
Be sure to visit the Registered Apprenticeship Michigan website to see the latest list of upcoming events.
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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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