Investing in the professional trades

By: Sean Fitzgerald

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order encouraging more apprenticeship programs for workers. The purpose of this executive order was to begin to push companies to invest in apprenticeship programs. This is another area where Michigan can serve as a national model.

Michigan is among the national leaders in apprenticeships. Currently, there are 14,850 active and registered apprenticeships in the state. This number is up from 11,802 in 2015.

Consider what’s been happening here already:

· In October 2016, the state was awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand apprenticeship opportunities for under-represented populations of the state. Building up skilled trades is key to keeping Michigan on the right path toward our future. Apprenticeships will be promoted in targeted industries including agriculture, construction, energy, healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. This grant is affirmation of the effort we have made in Michigan to strengthen our economy to benefit Michigan families

· The Michigan Skilled Trades Training Fund established by the Gov. Snyder in 2013, will help nearly 15,000 job-seekers and workers receive training for in-demand technical jobs through grants totaling $17.1 million.

· West Michigan Works has a nationally recognized program with 25 new registered apprentices who have completed the medical assistant program with another 40 started in January.

Thirty-seven percent of Michigan job growth over the next 5 years will be in middle skills education like apprenticeships and it’s clear, by the steps the Governor has taken, that Michigan remains committed to growing registered apprenticeships.