|
Community & Worker Economic Transition Office
Summit & Celebration: 2 Year Milestone
This October, the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office hosted a two-day summit and celebration to commemorate the two years since its creation in 2023 and to plan for what’s ahead.
There were many inspiring conversations covering topics like the future of the auto and energy sectors, community capacity and resilience and strategies to upskill workers and promote strong job quality standards. The event also featured a robust conversation of MI Auto Workforce Hub partners who highlighted the ongoing efforts across our three workgroups.
Moving forward, the Transition Office is energized to continue this work and build on the collaboration and partnership that make Michigan’s approach to economic transition unique. Stakeholder feedback and ideas from the Summit will help shape Michigan’s economic transition strategy, which will be released before the end of the year.
1. Data & Coordination
At the Oct. 21 meeting, the Data & Coordination Workgroup reviewed progress on the EV labor market report, with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) highlighting key deliverables including investment tracking, production forecasts and employer engagement.
Survey outreach continues, with efforts underway to boost participation in underrepresented sectors. Please help us spread the word by sharing the post below! Preliminary findings show employers are concerned about the EV transition, economic shifts and policy changes, with some expressing renewed interest in internal combustion engine production. The Upjohn Institute shared employment trend projections through 2030, noting modest declines in core automotive sectors.
2. Structural Barriers
During the Oct. 9 Structural Barriers Workgroup meeting, partners previewed the upcoming “Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs” playbook and website. Designed with employer-friendly language and practical tools, the playbook highlights proven transportation solutions, such as vanpooling, transit passes and car purchase programs, and offers step-by-step guidance for employers to establish their own programs.
The group discussed strategies for promoting the playbook across networks, including social media toolkits, one-pagers and in-person outreach. Attendees emphasized the importance of clear messaging, accessibility and managing expectations around funding availability.
3. Training, Curriculum & Career Readiness
The Training, Curriculum & Career Readiness meeting on Oct. 22 focused on advancing the pilot for the newly renamed “Partnership Playbook,” which aims to align education and workforce systems through collaborative, locally tailored programs. The rebranding from “Curriculum Playbook” to “Partnership Playbook” reflects a shift toward collaboration and skill alignment over curriculum reform. Members discussed a five-phase pilot approach, beginning with statewide education and employer roundtables. Planning is underway for the education roundtable, with targeted outreach to K-12 stakeholders and key employer partners.
If you are interested in joining any of the workgroups referenced above, please contact LEO-MI-Auto-Workforce-Hub@Michigan.gov.
Are you or someone you know interested in supporting climate action and exploring a future in Michigan’s growing climate and energy economy? We are excited to announce that the MI Auto Workforce Hub has an open MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Fellows position for 2026!
The participant in the MHC Fellows program will:
-
Provide meaningful capacity support for the MI Auto Workforce Hub, including communication, research and community engagement for the Hub workgroups.
-
Serve as an ambassador of climate and energy resources and be available to support our organization’s climate efforts.
-
Participate in fellowship building and training as well as professional experiences to develop their skills.
We encourage all those who are interested to apply, especially individuals from historically underserved communities and those on the frontline of climate impacts. Individuals must be 18 years old to serve; no degree or formal work experience is required.
Supplier Conversion Grant Program: Applications Due Nov. 10
The Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program has allocated $31.8 million through federal funding made available by the U.S. Department of Energy and state support for current small- and medium-sized manufacturers producing parts for internal combustion vehicles to retool their facilities and retrain their workforce to enter electric vehicle supply chains. Eligible Michigan companies can use these funds for fixed asset investment, machinery and equipment, technology and associated training to support qualified retooling projects. By submitting a Notice of Intent, companies with strong submissions will receive technical assistance to develop competitive project applications.
Giving manufacturers accessible pathways for the funding they need to succeed ensures Michigan’s economy remains strong and puts communities and workers in a position to benefit from industry transitions. View the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program webpage for more information.
Community Growth Academy Kickoff
The Transition Office brought together 10 Michigan communities selected to participate in the first-ever Community Growth Academy for a program kickoff in Lansing. During the event, academy members had the opportunity to engage with peers from other communities and begin working on their economic growth and resilience strategies.
The Center for Automotive Research is conducting a statewide assessment of workforce needs in Michigan’s automotive industry on behalf of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the MI Auto Workforce Hub.
We invite employers across Michigan’s extended automotive supply chain to provide feedback about changing jobs, skills and hiring demand in relation to automotive industry shifts.
-
MI Auto Workforce Hub Structural Barriers Workgroup meeting: Nov. 13, 2025, at 3:30 p.m.
-
MI Auto Workforce Hub Data & Coordination Workgroup meeting: Nov. 18, 2025, at 11 a.m.
-
MI Auto Workforce Hub Training, Curriculum & Career Readiness Workgroup meeting: Nov. 19, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
-
All MI Auto Workforce Hub VIRTUAL meeting: Dec. 4, 2025, at 1 p.m.
|
