Whitmer Awards $4M in Apprenticeship Grants for 606 Michiganders

Gov. Whitmer invests $4M to support Registered Apprenticeship training for more than 600 Michiganders

April 20, 2026

Funding will help Michiganders benefit from earn-as-you-learn career training opportunities

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), has awarded $4 million in State Apprenticeship Expansion grant funding to 13 workforce development partners. This investment will directly benefit 606 Michiganders by providing access to earn-as-you-learn Registered Apprenticeship programs that offer life-changing career opportunities and pathways to high-demand, good-paying jobs.

“Michigan is working hard to help more people get good-paying jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “With this program, more than 600 Michiganders can earn a paycheck at the same time that they are training for a career that will set them up for success. It builds on the historic investments we’ve made to lower the cost of college and skills training, from Michigan Reconnect, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and Going PRO to the Community College Guarantee. Let’s keep working together to help more working families ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

Registered Apprenticeship participants earn competitive wages with scheduled pay increases and national industry recognized credentials. In Michigan, 94% of Registered Apprentices remain employed one year after completing their training, earning a median salary of more than $80,700.

“This investment expands Registered Apprenticeship opportunities throughout the state, helping Michigan businesses grow and ensuring more Michiganders have clear, achievable pathways to higher wages to support themselves and their families,” said Susan Corbin, Director of LEO. “Registered Apprenticeships provide opportunities to learn important skills that lead to industry-recognized credentials while getting paid. They lead to good-paying jobs and bright futures — the kind of futures we want to see in Michigan.”

This funding will increase access to good-paying career pathways by growing the number of productive partners, extend Registered Apprenticeship benefits to more Michigan residents, and increase the number of skilled workers who “earn while they learn” and achieve a post-secondary credential upon program completion.

Award allocations to grant recipients:

“These grant recipients will play an important role in support of life changing career opportunities throughout Michigan,” said Krista Johnson, Director of LEO Workforce Development. “Registered Apprenticeship is a proven training model that helps workers build meaningful, good-paying careers and, at the same time, helps Michigan businesses build the highly-skilled workforce they need to compete in a global economy.”

The grant program prioritizes the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs in several in-demand industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing and supply chain; educational services; health and human services; and information technology.

“This funding allows us to expand access to Registered Apprenticeships across our region while helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need to compete and grow,” said Mark L. Berdan, Executive Director, Michigan Works! Region 7B. “Registered Apprenticeship Programs are a true win-win for businesses and employees — giving workers the opportunity to earn while they learn while helping employers build and retain highly skilled talent. By working together with businesses, educators and community partners, we can create clear pathways to good-paying careers while supporting the long-term economic vitality of our communities.”

“Registered Apprenticeships are proven to be one of the most effective ways to connect our community members to high-quality careers while helping employers build a skilled workforce,” said Jacob Maas, Chief Executive Officer, West Michigan Works!. “This investment strengthens our ability to expand earn-as-you-learn opportunities across West Michigan and work alongside employers to develop the talent pipeline our regional economy depends on.”

More information about LEO’s State Apprenticeship Expansion efforts is available at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

Labor and Economic Opportunity MI Newswire Labor and Economic Opportunity Workforce Development Media Contact:

Mike Murray

murraym15@michigan.gov

517-449-8231

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