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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
On July 14, 2026, Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren hosted the Race to Talent event, bringing together employers, workforce partners and community members to celebrate local leadership in Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
The gathering highlighted six champion employers recognized for their outstanding commitment to building skilled talent pipelines. During an engaging panel discussion, these industry leaders shared firsthand insights into how hands-on Registered Apprenticeship Programs help strengthen their workforce, boost employee retention and establish sustainable, long-term career pathways.
Ultimately, the event underscored the power of regional collaboration and proved that Registered Apprenticeship remains a vital, highly effective strategy for driving Michigan's economic growth and skilling up the future workforce.
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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.
Michigan CTE Summer Conference 2026
Hosted By: Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education
Location: Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls
Date: Aug. 2-4, 2026
The Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education (MI-ACTE) Summer Conference is Michigan’s premier summer professional learning event for Career and Technical Education (CTE) leaders, teachers and counselors. Building on the strong participation, high-quality programming, and practical takeaways that have defined prior years, the Summer Conference continues to be the state’s signature summer venue for CTE administrators, teachers, and counselors to connect, collaborate, and return home with strategies that can be implemented immediately.
GST Michigan Works! Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: GST Michigan Works!
Location: 3270 Wilson Street, Marlette, MI, 48453
Date: Aug. 27, 2026, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This event will begin with an informative session designed for employers interested in learning how to effectively build their own talent by utilizing USDOL Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Participants will have the opportunity to hear directly from employers with established Registered Apprenticeship Programs, ask questions and gain practical insights to help guide the development and implementation of their own programs.
Breakfast will be provided during the Registered Apprenticeship session. Following the presentation, employers will have the opportunity to participate in a Multi-Employer Fall Hiring Event, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with qualified job seekers and recruit new apprentices to meet their workforce needs. We look forward to welcoming employers and community partners for a day of learning, networking, and fun.
Michigan Works! 2026 Annual Conference
Hosted By: Michigan Works Association
Location: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt Pleasant
Date: Sept. 14-16, 2026
You're invited to be a part of Michigan’s largest workforce development conference and make the connections you need to drive your business forward. Join the Michigan Works! Association as they celebrate partnership, trust and collaboration between the thousands of agencies that continue to strengthen, train and support Michigan's workforce.
This year’s theme highlights that investing in our workforce is Michigan’s strongest strategy for long-term growth and resilience. Each commitment to skill development, training, and career access is an investment in our state’s prosperity. As Michigan evolves, the talent and dedication of our people will drive transformation.
GST Michigan Works! Race to Talent™ Event
Hosted By: GST Michigan Works!
Location: 711 North Saginaw Street, Flint, Michigan, 48503
Date: Sept. 18, 2026, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join GST Michigan Works! for a special Race to Talent™ event at the GST Michigan Works! Flint Service Center (Lower Level).
This event will begin with an informative session designed for employers interested in learning more about USDOL Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Participants will have the opportunity to hear directly from employers with established Registered Apprenticeship Programs, ask questions and gain practical insights to help guide the development and implementation of their own programs.
Light refreshments will be provided during the Registered Apprenticeship session. Following the session employers can participate in a Multi-Employer Fall Hiring event, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with qualified job seekers and recruit talent to meet their workforce needs.
June 4, 2026: Zaman International celebrated more than 30 graduates during its annual ceremony at Henry Ford College, highlighting more than 10 students who received their Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Credential.
June 5, 2026: The Small Business Association’s Supplier Matchmaking Expo in Detroit connected small suppliers with major buyers to strengthen domestic supply chains and create local jobs. The State Apprenticeship Expansion team engaged with attendees to promote Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
June 9, 2026: GST Michigan Works! hosted a Race to Talent™ event, connecting prospective employers with experienced Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors to share best practices. The event concluded with a public Career Expo showcasing opportunities for career seekers.
June 23, 2026: At the Macomb St. Clair Michigan Works Race to Talent™ event in Port Huron, employers explored Registered Apprenticeship Program benefits, ROI and retention. Representatives from Russel Electric and ZF shared administrative insights from managing their own successful Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
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