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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
Fueling the Future Workforce: Employers Explore MARC and RAPs at GCI
GST Michigan Works! hosted an employer-focused Race to Talent™ breakfast, provided by the GCI culinary students, at the Genesee Career Institute (GCI). The event focused on demystifying Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Registered Apprenticeship paperwork and showed businesses how to transform their existing training into formal Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs).
Those in attendance learned about the different career pathways at GCI and how programs can align with the Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Credential (MARC) and Registered Apprenticeships.
Featured speakers included Jason Carlisle (GCI), Jody Kerbyson (GST Michigan Works!), Tiffanie Clawson (USDOL) and Scott Jedele (LEO). Additionally, an interactive employer panel with LaFontaine Automotive Group, Miller Industries, and Rolls Mechanical highlighted the powerful real-world business impacts of RAPs, proving that shifting from reactive hiring to proactive talent creation drives long-term retention and workforce stability.
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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.
MAGMA (Michigan Academy for Green Mobility Alliance)
Hosted By: MAGMA Advisory Council
Location: North Campus Research Complex, University of Michigan Building 18 (500 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
Date: June 5, 2026
Time: 8:30 – 11 a.m.
The Advisory Council meeting will focus on emerging developments and opportunities in drone and unmanned aerial systems, particularly as they relate to:
- Mobility innovation
- Workforce development
- Regional economic growth in Michigan
Attendees will gain insight into how drone technologies are shaping the future of mobility and creating new opportunities across Michigan’s workforce and economy. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with leaders from industry, workforce development, economic development and higher education.
2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo
Hosted By: U.S. Small Business Administration
Location: 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
Date: June 5, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Supplier Matchmaking Expo is your chance to meet domestic corporate partners from companies of all sizes that are looking for suppliers. This unique opportunity will bring together buyers and suppliers looking to strengthen their U.S. supply chains. Hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration in collaboration with General Motors and the New American Industrial Alliance.
GST Michigan Works Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: GST Michigan Works!
Location: GST Michigan Works! Flint Service Center (711 North Saginaw Street, Flint, MI, 48503)
Date: June 9, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
GST Michigan Works! and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will be honoring employers who have active USDOL Registered Apprenticeship Programs. After the award ceremony, all employers in attendance will be invited to set up in the lower level of the Flint Service Center for a Career Expo that will be open to the public. Employers who currently have USDOL Registered Apprenticeship Program(s) or an employer who is interested in learning how to set up a program, are invited to attend.
MCCEA (Michigan Career Educator & Employer Alliance)
Hosted By: MCCEA
Location: Crystal Mountain (12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683)
Date: June 15-17, 2026
This annual event serves as a premier collaborative forum connecting Michigan's top career educators, university career services professionals, and regional employers. The programming centers heavily on strengthening work-based learning, sharing internship program best practices, and analyzing the emerging talent market to build a more resilient workforce across the state.
A major highlight for the 2026 conference is the integration of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s EPIC (Employer Provided Innovation Challenges) initiative. Top collegiate student teams from across Michigan will be present at the conference to pitch their solutions to authentic, real-world industry problems, showcasing experiential learning and public-private collaboration in action.
Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!
Location: TBD
Date: June 23, 2026
Time: 8 – 10:30 a.m.
Join Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! for an interactive event on Registered Apprenticeship Programs, focusing on return on investment and staff retention, and addressing common employer questions around time commitment, training and value. Hear from local employers about their experiences and learn about available resources while connecting with peers exploring or refining apprenticeship strategies.
A tremendous thank you to the employers, workforce agencies, labor unions, educators and community leaders who championed National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). This nationwide celebration showcases how Registered Apprenticeships build highly skilled workforces and launch career seekers into rewarding jobs.
Thanks to your incredible dedication, Michigan achieved massive participation with a combination of 435 events and proclamations across the state. Your passion for workforce development continues to strengthen our economy, close talent gaps, and secure sustainable career pathways for workers statewide. Thank you for your continued partnership!
April 21, 2026: Community leaders and workforce partners joined DESC’s Race to Talent™ Small Business Stroll. The event celebrated local champions, highlighting workforce development pathways while touring neighborhood mainstays Empire Kitchen, Mockery Zero Proof, and Detroit Pizza Bar.
April 21, 2026: Walstrom Marine partnered with Northwest Michigan Works! to launch its new Marine Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program. The signing event celebrated their first active apprentice and marked the beginning of multi-location program expansion.
April 23, 2026: Northwest Michigan Works! hosted a Race to Talent™ event celebrating regional apprenticeship "Champions." The successful gathering educated new employer partners on registration benefits, funding resources, and local National Apprenticeship Week proclamations.
April 27, 2026: Detroit Public Schools Community District and Detroit’s CRIO office hosted a construction trades Lunch & Learn at Randolph Career and Technical Center, highlighting pathways for youth engagement in Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
April 27, 2026: Workforce Development Boards hosted a Race to Talent™ event showcasing specialized workforce professional apprenticeships. The celebration recognized graduate staff and honored vital regional partners, including Capital Area Michigan Works! and Michigan Works Southwest, with Champion awards.
April 28, 2026: Detroit Public Schools Community District hosted an open house introducing parents and students to construction trade pathways. Local union representatives answered questions, outlining how Registered Apprenticeship Programs offer graduates immediate career success.
April 28, 2026: Mott Community College hosted a healthcare-focused Race to Talent™ Lunch & Learn. Regional employers explored Registered Apprenticeship implementation, new support grants, and college training partnerships to close regional talent gaps.
April 28, 2026: Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation hosted a construction and infrastructure Race to Talent™ event. Industry leaders and community stakeholders explored talent pipelines, apprenticeship pathways, and partnerships shaping Detroit's future development.
April 28, 2026: 4/28/26: The first-ever MI Kickoff at Ford Field brought together over 1,000 high school students from 40 Michigan schools for hands-on career exploration. State departments partnered with higher education leaders and employers to showcase vital postsecondary pathways, skilled trades training, and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.
April 28-29, 2026: Workforce, education, and policy leaders gathered at Detroit’s MotorCity Casino Hotel for the AI at Work Summit. Attendees explored actionable strategies for integrating artificial intelligence into Michigan’s labor market and talent systems.
April 30, 2026: Michigan Works! Northeast hosted a Race to Talent™ celebration at the Alpena Aplex. Employers explored federal registration pathways and honored local apprenticeship champions Amrize, Besser, and RS Scott for program dedication.
May 1, 2026: State Apprenticeship Expansion representatives joined prospective candidates, instructors, and industry professionals at the Ann Arbor Electrical JATC Open House, promoting regional union training models and networking with future electrical talent.
May 1, 2026: Macomb Community College hosted a healthcare employer breakfast to celebrate regional talent growth. Attendees honored the impact of Registered Apprenticeships and "earn while you learn" models in bridging the healthcare skills gap.
May 5-7, 2026: State representatives presented at the MAETC conference, detailing how Registered Apprenticeship Programs increase success rates and deliver high returns on investment when integrating justice-involved individuals into the workforce.
May 13-14, 2026: Over 5,200 students gained hands-on heavy machinery experience at the Michigan Construction Career Days in Howell. Hosted by MASCI, the event showcased high-paying skilled trades pathways and Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
May 14, 2026: Michigan Works! Southwest and Jackson College hosted a Race to Talent™ event. Attendees learned about state expansion efforts, while honoring regional business champions MACI, Technique, Gerdau, and Lomar for apprenticeship excellence.
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