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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
Oakland County Focused on Registered Apprenticeships and Employer Recognition
Oakland Community College’s Auburn Hills Campus and Oakland County Michigan Works! hosted a Race to Talent™ event on March 3. More than 70 attendees learned about launching RAPs and received information on MARC and funding available to support RAP development and expansion.
Championship Awards were presented to Active Dynamics, ATOMTECH, General Motors, Henry Ford Health, Lee Machinery Movers, Loprofil Penn Engineering, Systematic Manufacturing, the Townsend Hotel, and US Farathane.
Read more about the event here.
If you have planned, hosted or attended a Race to Talent™ event help us highlight the impact of these events by sharing your experience at apprenticeship@michigan.gov.
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DESC Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: DESC
Location: Tech Town – 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202
Date: April 29, 2026
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Detroit is building, and the opportunities are expanding just as quickly. Join Detroit at Work for a Race to Talent Event in Construction Connections & Infrastructure Intersections. This promises to be an energizing evening bringing together industry leaders, workforce partners, training providers and community stakeholders to explore Registered Apprenticeship Programs within the growing construction and infrastructure landscape shaping Detroit’s future.
Together, we’ll take the dialogue deeper, examining talent pipelines, apprenticeship pathways and the partnerships needed to prepare Detroiters for the careers being built right now. Held on National Apprenticeship Day, the evening will carry a festive energy while highlighting the vital role apprenticeship programs play in connecting talent to opportunity within the construction and infrastructure sectors.
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium
Location: APLEX – 701 Woodward Avenue, Alpena, MI, 49707
Date: April 30, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium for the Registered Apprenticeship Lunch & Learn and Race to Talent™ Celebration! This interactive event is designed for employers who want to learn how Registered Apprenticeships can help them attract, train and retain a strong workforce. During this Lunch & Learn, you’ll hear directly from local employers who have successfully launched Registered Apprenticeship Programs, gain practical insights on how these programs work, and learn simple steps to start or enhance your own.
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium’s Apprenticeship Specialist will be on hand to walk employers through next steps and answer questions. We’ll also highlight an important talent pipeline by partnering with Adult Education to share information about the MARC endorsement for quality pre-apprenticeship programs. The event will conclude with a celebration recognizing recently completed registered apprentices and the employers who support them.
West Michigan Works! Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: West Michigan Works!
Location: Muskegon Community College – Collegiate Hall 221, Quarterline Rd. Muskegon, MI, 49442
Date: May 13, 2026
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
Explore how the Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program at the University of Michigan Health-West and Trinity Health launches successful healthcare careers through hands-on learning and cohort support. Hear from employers and registered apprentices, learn about key partnerships with community colleges, and connect with industry professionals.
Ideal for educators, employers, students and community partners interested in healthcare career pathways.
Michigan Works! Southeast Race to Talent Event
Hosted By: Michigan Works! Southeast
Location: Jackson College – 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, MI, 49201
Date: May 14, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Michigan Works! Southeast, in partnership with Jackson College, is hosting a Race to Talent™ event to highlight employers in Jackson County leading successful Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), including a panel discussion and Crystal Award recognitions.
Capital Area Michigan Works! Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: Capital Area Michigan Works!
Location: Urban Beat Event Center – 1213 Turner Road, Lansing, MI, 48906
Date: May 19, 2026
Time: 9-11 a.m.
This Race to Talent™ event will bring together current Registered Apprenticeship sponsors with local employers that are interested in learning more about Registered Apprenticeship Programs. This event will feature:
- Workforce strategic advisor Julie Mann from Lead With Collective will MC the event and provide comments on the advantages of growing your own talent with RAPs.
- A general overview of RAPs will also be provided by CAMW! staff.
- RAP Sponsors will then be called upon to discuss their own unique experiences with creating and implementing an Appendix A/training plan, and answer questions related to administering their own programs.
- The event will conclude with the handing out of Apprenticeship Champion Recognition Awards to featured sponsors.
MEATA 2026 Spring Conference - Charting the Course: Apprenticeship and Education in Action
Hosted By: Michigan Educators Apprenticeship and Training Association (MEATA)
Location: Mission Point Resort – 1 Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI, 49757
Date: May 19-21, 2026
Set on the serene shores of historic Mackinac Island, the 2026 MEATA Spring Conference invites educators, industry leaders, Registered Apprenticeship professionals, and workforce innovators to gather for three days of connection, collaboration, and forward-thinking exploration. This year’s theme — Charting the Course: Apprenticeship and Education in Action — highlights the essential work being done across Michigan to prepare the workforce of tomorrow, one skill at a time.
Throughout the event, attendees will experience a dynamic lineup of programming, including an inspiring keynote address, a wide range of breakout workshops, and opportunities to explore innovative approaches to Registered Apprenticeship and education. The conference opens on May 19 with a networking reception at Mission Point Resort — the perfect setting to reconnect with colleagues, spark new partnerships, and set the tone for a meaningful and productive experience.
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: Michigan Educators Apprenticeship and Training Association (MEATA)
Location: Mission Point Resort – 1 Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI, 49757
Date: May 20, 2026
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Join us for a special celebration recognizing U.P. businesses that support Registered Apprenticeships and strengthen our local workforce. The event will feature an awards ceremony honoring key employers, along with food, networking, and time to connect with partners who are helping drive talent development across our communities.
Race to Talent™ is more than a recognition event—it’s a celebration of innovation, partnership, and the employers who are investing in the future workforce of the Upper Peninsula
Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! Race to Talent Event
Hosted By: Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!
Location: Holiday Inn – 5278 East Pickard Street, Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858
Date: May 27, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for a dynamic day of collaboration and conversation focused on strengthening Registered Apprenticeship partnerships across the region.
The morning session will bring together representatives from Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and other RAP sponsors for a joint discussion on improving coordination of apprenticeship services between agencies. This working session will focus on aligning resources, strengthening partnerships, and identifying opportunities to better support employers and participants through a more coordinated apprenticeship system.
Macomb/St. Clair Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!
Location: Michigan Works! Clinton Township Service Center – 43630 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI, 48038
Date: May 27, 2026
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
Attendees are invited to participate in a Manufacturing Roundtable in partnership with Macomb County Chamber focused on RAPs. This session will bring together manufacturing employers to discuss current workforce needs and share practical approaches to training and talent development.
The conversation will include examples of how RAPs are being implemented locally, along with an overview of available resources and support for employers interested in developing or expanding their programs. This session is intended as a collaborative discussion for manufacturers to exchange insights, ask questions, and explore how RAP strategies may support their workforce goals.
March 5, 2026: Michigan Works Region 7B hosted a construction apprenticeship event highlighting Registered Apprenticeships, employer engagement, and youth mentoring while recognizing regional partners for strengthening the skilled trades talent pipeline.
March 18, 2026: A Skilled Trades Task Force meeting focused on electrical career pathways, featuring discussions on Registered Apprenticeships and opportunities for residents exploring entry into the skilled trades.
March 25, 2026: Macomb St. Clair Michigan Works! and SEMCA partnered together for a Race to Talent™ event showcasing how Registered Apprenticeships strengthen employer talent pipelines, with discussions on funding strategies and recognition of companies advancing Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
April 2, 2026: DESC’s Race to Talent™ event highlighted Information Technology pathways and the role of Registered Apprenticeships in building a strong, future‑ready talent pipeline.
April 13, 2026: The Job Developers Alliance Apprenticeship fair featured program partners showcasing successful registration efforts and promoting new opportunities across sewing, textiles, fashion and related industries.
April 15, 2026: Students received information on pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships opportunities at the 2026 Western School District Career Fair, while discovering diverse high‑demand career paths across multiple industries.
April 15, 2026: Acts of Change Network – Peacenic Community Roundtable Session focused on stability resources, featuring information on pre-apprenticeships, Registered Apprenticeships, library services, mental health advocacy, and broader community support tools.
April 15, 2026: Detroit City Councilmember At-Large Mary Waters with Detroit City Councilmember Denzel McCampbell and Detroit City Councilmember Renata Miller hosted the monthly Skilled Trades Task Force meeting convened to discuss ongoing strategies, resources and opportunities for residents interested in construction trades career opportunities.
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