We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs playbook, the very first public deliverable from the MI Auto Workforce Hub! This innovative playbook is designed to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing Michigan’s workforce — transportation barriers — and help connect workers to good-paying jobs.
To put the playbook into action, we’re offering the Reliable Rides Incentive Grant to support small and medium sized manufacturers launch transportation programs modeled in the playbook. Up to $20,000 is available per grantee, scaled by transportation model and implementation scope.
Spread the Word with Our Promotional Toolkits
To maximize the impact of this exciting resource, LEO has created:
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A playbook promotional toolkit with images, flyers and ready-to-use messaging for websites, emails and social media.
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A grant-specific toolkit with sample email and social media messaging.
A huge thank you and congratulations to the Structural Barriers Workgroup for making this happen through incredible collaboration and partnership!
1. Data & Coordination
The Center for Automotive Research and the Upjohn Institute have delivered their research for the Auto Workforce Transition Report! Join this month’s meeting to dive into key findings and help shape next steps for the MI Auto Workforce Hub. Your input matters in building data-informed strategies to strengthen Michigan’s automotive workforce.
2. Structural Barriers
Have questions about Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs or the competitive RFP application? This month’s workgroup meeting will be a dedicated Q&A session, so please bring your questions and ideas to the table!
3. Training, Curriculum & Career Readiness
Exciting news! The MI Auto Workforce Hub and MiSTEM will present Skills in Sync: A Partnership Playbook for K-12 Educators and Manufacturers at the Michigan Career Education Conference on Jan. 26. Spread the word and invite education partners to share their challenges in creating employer-informed manufacturing programs.
Don’t miss January’s workgroup meeting for a readout on insights gathered and collaboration on upcoming education and employer roundtables.
If you are interested in joining any of the workgroups referenced above, please contact LEO-MI-Auto-Workforce-Hub@Michigan.gov.
LEO’s Community & Worker Economic Transition Office will release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program later this month. With $22.6 million allocated through federal funding, this competitive grant program will help eligible small- to mid-sized automotive manufacturers retool their facilities and retrain their workforce to produce components for hybrid and battery electric vehicles.
RFP applications will be submitted through EGrAMS, the state's Electronic Grants Administration & Management System. The application period will remain open for approximately two months. Stay tuned on program updates by visiting the grant website or by signing up to receive Transition Office emails.
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MI Auto Workforce Hub Structural Barriers Workgroup meeting: Jan. 14, 2026, at 11:15 a.m.
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MI Auto Workforce Hub Data & Coordination Workgroup meeting: Jan. 21, 2026, at 11:15 a.m.
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MI Auto Workforce Hub Training, Curriculum & Career Readiness Workgroup meeting: Jan. 28, 2026, at 11:15 a.m.
Join us to share your expertise, ask questions and collaborate on shaping Michigan’s automotive workforce future!
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