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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!

IN THIS ISSUE…

• Navigating the “Work Process” Document
• Winners Circle
• Racing Team Partner
• Make Your MARC!
• Race to Talent™ Events
• Upcoming Events
• Check the Rearview Mirror
• Tune-Up Tips

Navigating the “Work Process” Document

The Registered Apprenticeship Work Process Schedule serves as a roadmap that outlines the training a registered apprentice will receive, guides mentors and gives registered apprentices a clear sense of "winning" as they check off new skills. At its core, the Registered Apprenticeship Work Process is a list of the specific tasks and skills that ensure every registered apprentice, regardless of the mentor they work with, receives consistent, high-quality On-Job-Learning. The United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship has pre-approved work processes for over 1,200 occupations across nearly all industries, so employers do not need to develop a work process from scratch. Ready to turn your existing training into a Registered Apprenticeship Program but don’t want to sort through hundreds of work processes? Follow the three easy steps to have your own program! Get Ready Complete an Employer Interest Form Identify needed occupations Select critical skills Get Set Join a Group Sponsor or start your own Confirm Related Instruction Identify mentors & select apprentices Grow Transfer critical knowledge & skills Offer industry-recognized credentials Retain current & attract new employees

Winners Circle

Ironworkers Local 25: Building More Than Just Structures Four first-year registered apprentices from Ironworkers Local 25 recently share their journey. From competitive wages to finding a "sense of belonging," these registered apprentices highlight a supportive community where anyone can succeed through hard work. Read more about their experiences here.

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.

Racing Team Partner

East Lansing Fire Department Creates Innovative Registered Apprenticeship Program Through a partnership with Lansing Community College, East Lansing Fire Department created an innovative "Fire Medic" Registered Apprenticeship Program to provide more opportunities for employees. Capital Area Michigan Works! honored East Lansing Fire Department with a "Race to Talent" Champion award and recognized their leadership in building a local talent pipeline. Read more about this partnership here.

Golf Industry Veteran is Leveraging Industry Experience to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs After 38 years at Crystal Downs, industry veteran Michael now manages the Michigan Golf Course Association Golf Course Technician Registered Apprenticeship. A global leader in turfgrass education, Michael leverages his expertise to mentor the next generation, providing the leadership and technical training essential for managing a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Read more about how Michael is continuing to expand Registered Apprenticeships here.

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.

Make Your MARC!

Apprenticeship Readiness Making a MARC on Talent Pipeline Kent Career Tech Center is expanding opportunities by connecting students to Registered Apprenticeships in high-tech fields. Celebrating graduates of the Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certification (MARC), the program offers real-world experience and direct pathways to employers like Fox Motors and Royal Technologies. Read more about how MARC is creating Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities here. Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certification 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).  The MARC is an official endorsement that acts as a quality stamp for Apprenticeship Readiness programming. It confirms that an Apprenticeship Readiness program completer has the foundational skills employers suggest are essential for entry into and successful completion of a Registered Apprenticeship Program. MARC endorsement levels are not sequential. They are distinct program endorsements, each with their own specific value. MARC LEADERBOARD Table Apprenticeship Readiness Programs Endorsements MacAllister Machinery (Formerly Michigan CAT) & Operating Engineers 324 18 Upper Peninsula Construction Council 10 Focus: HOPE 6 Zaman International 4 Oakland Community College 4 Kent Career Tech Center 2 Jackson Community College 1 Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons Local 514 – Fessler & Bowman 1 Iosco RESA 1 IBEW 948 1

Want your Apprenticeship Readiness Program endorsed? Complete the MARC Interest Form.

Race to Talent™ Events

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

See upcoming events below!

Upcoming Events

Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! Race to Talent Event  

Hosted By: Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! 
Location: Recreation Lanes – 1555 North Stephenson Ave, Iron Mountain, MI 49801 
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 
Time: 3-4:30 p.m. 

Come learn more about Registered Apprenticeship and how it might help improve your talent pipeline! Hear from registered apprentices who just completed the GuideStar Computer Support Specialist - Desktop Support Tech Registered Apprenticeship Program, and what their experience was. A panel will also include GuideStar and the Related Technical Instruction provider, the Dickinson Iron Intermediate School District, to explain how they were able to work together to make this program a success. Light hors' d’oeuvres will be served and a graduation ceremony will be held to celebrate the success of the three new journey workers!  

DESC Race to Talent Event

Hosted By: Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation/Detroit at Work 
Location: Apple Developer Academy – Michigan State University, 660 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Connect with registered apprentices, educators and industry leaders while exploring Registered Apprenticeship Programs in IT. This event will guide you in launching a program for your employees. Experience a powerful mix of panel discussions, interactive round-table Q&As, networking and employer recognition. This is more than an information session; it’s a connection conference and solution summit. Discover how hands-on training and real-world experience are shaping the next generation of skilled professionals and learn how Registered Apprenticeship Programs are creating a stronger future for Michigan. Don’t miss two hours of power, impact and opportunity in IT! 

Check the Rearview Mirror

Tune-Up Tips

Resources to help you get started in Registered Apprenticeship.

US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (USDOL OA)

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.

Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinators

Contact your local Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinator to assist your company with developing a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Registered Apprenticeship Interest Form

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.

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

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.

Michigan State Approving Agency

Find information about employers, labor trades and training providers approved for veteran educational benefits through the GI Bill.

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MiOSHA)

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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