West Michigan Works! has been awarded a $231,000 State Apprenticeship Expansion grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). Announced to kick of National Apprenticeship Week, the award is one of 13 grants to workforce development organizations across the state to provide access to earn-as-you-learn Registered Apprenticeship programs which offer life-changing career opportunities and pathways to high-demand, good-paying jobs.
“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.”
West Michigan Works! has remained a catalyst for apprenticeship program creation and development over the last ten years, delivering tangible outcomes for job seekers and businesses in West Michigan. West Michigan Works! currently hosts 62 U.S. accredited Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship occupations, and has supported 178 businesses and 956 registered apprentices since 2015.
The grant will help West Michigan Works! continue to provide job seekers with access to good-paying career pathways in high-demand industries through Registered Apprenticeships and achieve a post-secondary credential in several in-demand industry sectors.
“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.”
“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.”
An apprenticeship can strengthen your operation
Now is a good time to consider how a Registered Apprenticeship Program could work for your business. West Michigan Works! Programs allow you to customize training for company specific requirements and give you the flexibility to adapt timing & structure of program to fit employer needs — all while ensuring retention. Click the link below to email the Apprenticeship Team to get started.
