More than 40 educators, business leaders, apprentices, and workforce development professionals gathered for Race 2 Talent™ at the Kent ISD Conference Center, the hum of collaboration was unmistakable on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. This half-day event celebrated the growing role of apprenticeships in shaping Michigan’s future workforce.
Hosted by West Michigan Works!, in partnership with Registered Apprenticeship Michigan and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), the event spotlighted a statewide surge in apprenticeship participation — and the partnerships fueling it.
According to the Registered Apprenticeships in Michigan – 2025 Report, more than 20,600 registered apprentices were active in Michigan in 2024 — the highest in the state’s history. Of those, 8,400 were new in 2024, signaling growing employer confidence in the “earn-and-learn” model that pairs classroom instruction with on-the-job experience.
“Registered Apprenticeships provide clear, supported career pathways for individuals while helping employers cultivate talent that’s ready to meet today’s demands,” said Joel Elsenbroek, Apprenticeship project manager at West Michigan Works! and event emcee. “These programs bridge education and employment, creating opportunities that strengthen both our workforce and the regional economy.”
One of the event’s highlights was a discussion on the success of the Pre-Apprenticeship program, a collaboration between the Kent Career Tech Center, West Michigan Works!, Fox Motors, and Royal Technologies.
“We are thrilled to partner with Michigan Works!, Fox Motors and Royal Technologies to expand real work experiences for students at Kent Career Tech Center. So far, 20 students from the Tech Center’s Automotive Technology and Mechatronics programs have successfully taken part in the Pre-Apprenticeship program, gaining high-tech skills, experience, and work hours to apply to a full apprenticeship and advance their career path,” said Sue Gardner, assistant superintendent of career and talent development. “We’ll continue to share these experiences with more students and help them make meaningful career connections.”
“After having successfully piloted a new Pre-Apprenticeship Program, with Fox Motors and Royal Technologies we are ready to expand this high-quality training program in manufacturing, and into other industries, to connect more individuals and employers to the opportunities Registered Apprenticeship Programs provide,” shared Elsenbroek.
The Race 2 Talent™ panel featured representatives from the pilot program’s key partners: Gregg Isenhoff (Kent ISD), Scott Thatcher (Fox Motors), Tom McGovern (Royal Technologies), and two apprentices — Ben Singleton of Fox Motors and Arien Kamble of Royal Technologies. Both students recently earned the Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate (MARC).
Panelists discussed how partnerships between employers and educators are helping close Michigan’s talent gap and create sustainable career pathways. Youth participation in apprenticeship programs is also on the rise. According to the Registered Apprenticeships in Michigan – 2025 Report, individuals ages 16 to 24 now make up more than 40% of all active apprentices statewide.
“Whether students transition to post-secondary education or the world of work, they desire a development path and a company that will support their growth,” said Laura Longstreet, HR business partner, Royal Technologies. “The MARC program is the equivalent of early college for career-bound students. It offers the opportunity to earn credit toward an apprenticeship while in high school and to gain invaluable experience in the field. I love that we can offer this program and give students that head start!”
For apprentice Arien Kamble, the program has been life-changing.
“The Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate gave me the confidence and skills to take the next step in my career,” said Arien Kamble. “Being part of this event and seeing the support from employers and educators made me feel like I’m part of something bigger, a movement that’s opening doors for those seeking opportunity.”
During the event, Fox Motors and Royal Technologies were recognized as “Race 2 Talent with Registered Apprenticeship Champions” for their leadership and commitment to expanding access to apprenticeship opportunities.
Two local employers were honored as Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship Champions for their exemplary use of RAPs and commitment to expanding access.
Fox Motors was recognized for its innovative approach to developing talent in the automotive sector. Diane Maher, President and Chief Strategy Officer, accepted the award and shared insights into the company’s long-term investment in workforce development.
Royal Technologies was awarded for its scalable and inclusive RAP pathways in advanced manufacturing. Tom McGovern accepted the award and delivered remarks on the company’s apprenticeship success and future growth.
“These employers are leading the way in how Michigan businesses can respond to workforce needs with long-term, sustainable solutions,” said Scott Jedele, administrative manager, apprenticeship expansion with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
“Their dedication to apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs is transforming lives, helping local businesses thrive, and building a resilient workforce for the future in communities across West Michigan.”
According to the 2025 Registered Apprenticeship Report, the benefits of apprenticeship extend far beyond the classroom. Among those who completed RAPs in 2022, 94% were employed one year later, earning a median annual wage of $80,720.
For West Michigan Works!, those numbers tell a clear story: apprenticeships work.
The organization continues to help employers design and scale programs that meet regional needs — from automotive and manufacturing to healthcare and IT — by connecting them with funding resources, strategic guidance, and technical support.
Employers interested in launching or expanding a Registered Apprenticeship Program can visit our dedicated page below or contact the apprenticeship team at apprenticeship@westmiworks.org.
