Sometimes a different view gives you a better perspective
“The people working on the bridge reminded me that they have more than good jobs — they have the opportunity to work on something that will long be a source of pride in our state.”
This week I learned more about Michigan’s most iconic construction project — the Mackinac Bridge — from a perch atop the south tower, 552 feet above the water.
The bridge itself is awe-inspiring as you drive across. But climbing the ladders inside and walking atop the span helps you realize just how spectacular an engineering and construction project the bridge was when construction started in May 1954.
There were 3,500 people working directly on the project, and 350 engineers in addition to 7,500 people working at quarries, shops and mills off-site. The project took 48 months to complete, and on November 1, we’ll celebrate the 60th anniversary of the span opening to the public.
Among the very first thing the iron workers did back in 1954 was open an office for apprenticeships, then as now an excellent path for employees to gain the skills they need for important jobs without accumulating debt.
Today, many of the 45 people who work to maintain the span — the fifth-longest suspension bridge in the world — started as apprentices before becoming mechanics, painters and steeplejacks. They have years of training to do their jobs, and to do them safely. They’re proud to work on the landmark, some of them following in steps of family members.
I stood atop the bridge and looked out at the unique view of two peninsulas and two Great Lakes, thought about this achievement — and wondered about Michigan’s next great bridge, and who will build it.
Construction on the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor could start as early as next year. Will we have the workers to design and build this bridge, in addition to all the other work needed to improve the rest of Michigan’s infrastructure?
Our state is facing a talent gap, and employers across the state tell me they have trouble finding people with in-demand skills to fill good-paying and rewarding jobs. Other states have similar challenges, which is why Michigan needs to be the national leader in closing this gap.
At Governor Rick Snyder’s direction, I’ve been working with state Superintendent Brian Whiston on the Michigan Career Pathway Alliance. We’re partnering with educators, employers and advocates to help students become more aware of the opportunities for great jobs and to give schools and employers more support to provide training.
You can learn more about our work and how you can help here: Michigan.gov/ted.
And apprenticeships remain valuable pathways to good jobs. While traditionally in the professional trades, Michigan received a federal grant — second-largest in the nation — to expand apprenticeships to more fields, and to veterans and other populations who might not have considered such opportunities.
The people working on the bridge reminded me that they have more than good jobs — they have the opportunity to work on something that will long be a source of pride in our state. The people working on Detroit’s arena district and who will build the Gordie Howe Bridge will likely feel the same way. It’s about being a part of something bigger, and will bring joy to Michiganders for generations to come and make our state economically stronger.
They’re not just building a bridge or an arena or even an office building. They’re building a legacy, and that’s something of which we can all be proud.
