2025 was a big year for the MI Auto Workforce Hub! We kicked things off as the EV Workforce Hub, but as our work expanded, so did our name—better reflecting our mission to support Michigan’s workforce through every kind of automotive transition, not just electrification. We also welcomed a new Mobility Hub Director to lead the charge and keep momentum strong.
This year, more than 1,000 people participated in EV, mobility and advanced manufacturing training programs—and more than half have already completed them! We developed the Reliable Rides Playbook to help employers tackle transportation barriers, made major progress the Skills in Sync Partnership Playbook to help schools and employers team up on manufacturing education, and will soon be rolling out the Michigan EV Labor Market Report. With pilot programs on the horizon, we’re heading into 2026 with energy, purpose and a growing community of partners ready to drive Michigan’s future forward.
We’re excited to connect with you at tomorrow’s MI Auto Workforce Hub Quarterly Meeting! This session will spotlight the progress of our three workgroups and the innovative tools they’re developing to support Michigan’s automotive workforce.
Highlights include a preview of the upcoming EV Labor Market Report from the Center for Automotive Research, the Upjohn Institute and the Michigan Center for Data & Analytics. We’ll also share updates on two key playbooks: one focused on transportation programs to help workers get to jobs, and another designed to strengthen partnerships between K-12 schools and local manufacturers. Agenda highlights include:
- Michigan Mobility Report Briefing
- Michigan EV Labor Market Report Preview
- Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs Preview
- Skills in Sync: A Partnership Playbook for K-12 Educators and Manufacturers Updates
We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!
1. Data & Coordination
During the November Data & Coordination Workgroup meeting, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) shared early results from a statewide survey and interviews with auto companies. While many businesses say they don’t need much new training, the interviews show that digital and cross-functional skills are becoming more important. The Upjohn Institute also shared job forecasts through 2030, showing that while some auto jobs may decline, there will still be strong demand in areas like production and logistics. The final report will be delivered to LEO later this month.
2. Structural Barriers
At the November Structural Barriers Workgroup meeting, members focused on shaping a new pilot program to help employers create transportation programs for their workers using the Reliable Rides Playbook. The group is exploring how small grants for small and mid-sized manufacturers may incentivize employers to test out ideas from the playbook that make it easier for employees to get to work. The goal is to make the most of limited state funding by encouraging employers to invest in long-term solutions. The group also discussed how to design the program so it’s easy to use, supports strong employer practices, and creates success stories that can inspire others across the state.
3. Training, Curriculum & Career Readiness
At the November meeting, the Training, Curriculum & Career Readiness Workgroup met to plan upcoming statewide roundtables focused on education and employer engagement. The group confirmed participation in the Michigan Career Education Conference in January 2026 and is exploring a partnership with the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators. They also began planning a hybrid employer roundtable for spring 2026 to gather input from businesses across Michigan. Members emphasized the importance of including a diverse mix of employers and using small group discussions to encourage meaningful feedback. Next steps include finalizing outreach materials, confirming logistics and sharing agendas with the group.
If you are interested in joining any of the workgroups referenced above, please contact LEO-MI-Auto-Workforce-Hub@Michigan.gov.
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All MI Auto Workforce Hub VIRTUAL meeting: Dec. 4, 2025, at 1 p.m.
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MI Auto Workforce Hub Structural Barriers Workgroup meeting: Dec. 11, 2025, at 3:30 p.m.
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MI Auto Workforce Hub Data & Coordination Workgroup meeting: Dec. 16, 2025, at 11 a.m.
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MI Auto Workforce Hub Training, Curriculum & Career Readiness Workgroup meeting: Dec. 17, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
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