Registered Apprenticeship Programs are expanding in Michigan, and four Oakland County employers were recently recognized for their efforts during a “Race to Talent” event, hosted by Oakland County Michigan Works! in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Barron Industries, Elite School Management, FANUC America Corporation and Gesher Human Services were honored for their commitment to Registered Apprenticeship Programs. The Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan (WIN) was also recognized for its role in helping more than 200 employers launch and manage Registered Apprenticeship Programs since 2018, including 56 new programs in the past year alone.
“Oakland County is committed to helping employers in our state build a skilled workforce and Registered Apprenticeship Programs do this,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Oakland County Michigan Works! and its partners work with employers every day to develop, launch and manage apprenticeship programs that attract workers of all ages and backgrounds.”
Statewide, Michigan recorded nearly 20,600 active apprentices across 1,200 Registered Apprenticeship Programs in 2024. Oakland County is home to 2,232 apprentices participating in 83 programs, with sectors such as IT, healthcare, education and professional services joining traditional fields like construction and manufacturing in launching new programs.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of employers interested in Registered Apprenticeship Programs over the past few years, as the local labor market remains very competitive and the need for talent is stronger than ever,” said Liz Rivard-Weston, Oakland County’s apprenticeship success coordinator. “Our commitment to help employers establish apprenticeships is growing, too.”
As part of the Race to Talent event, the four recognized employers shared their experiences launching apprenticeships:
FANUC America Corporation, a global leader in robotic automation, started its program in 2023 to train workers in advanced robotics and automation which are key skills in today’s manufacturing sector.
“This is a challenging time to find and build talent,” said Denise Scanlon, talent acquisition partner, FANUC America Corporation. “We took advantage of the opportunity to build a Registered Apprenticeship Program to build the skill sets of our workers and establish a long-term pipeline for talent.”
Barron Industries, a manufacturer of precision machined metal castings for the aerospace, defense and automotive sectors, launched its Registered Apprenticeship Program two years ago to address the needs of a transitioning workforce.
“Some of our employees have been with us for over 40 years and are now nearing a well-earned retirement,” said Lissa Barron, director of communications, Barron Industries. “As we look to the future, we’re committed to growing our team by investing in professional development and promoting from within. Our Registered Apprenticeship Program is a key part of this effort, helping us train and mentor the next generation of skilled machinists.”
Creating a Registered Apprenticeship Program can take up to a year, but organizations like WIN simplify the process as intermediaries.
“WIN serves as a bridge between employers and the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to help develop and expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs across traditional, non-traditional and emerging industries,” said Amanda Bauerschmidt, WIN workforce project manager. “This no-cost service, funded by the USDOL Apprenticeship Building America grant, supports employers in creating apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and has helped launch six apprenticeship intermediaries in Southeast Michigan.”
Elite School Management, which provides staffing to educational institutions, recently completed its second class of teacher aides, certified through a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
“You really need an intermediary to help with the process,” said President Leo Carr. “They explain what a Registered Apprenticeship is, how it works and how to launch it. WIN brought all the pieces together. The process was a pleasure compared to what I expected.”
Gesher Human Services followed a similar path in launching a program for direct support professionals.
“I was intimidated with the necessary paperwork and time commitment needed,” said James Willis, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Gesher Human Services. “WIN walked us through the process and made everything easier, including a review of the core competencies and classes, to managing the apprentices.”
Gesher apprentice Nancy Malesh added, “It’s nice to work for an employer that is willing to invest in me and help me grow.”
Panelists also highlighted the vital role Oakland County Michigan Works! plays in supporting the apprenticeship programs. In addition to helping employers secure up to $4,800 per apprentice in funding, the agency provides eligible participants with supportive services such as tool and equipment purchases, mileage reimbursement, auto repairs and more. In 2024, 202 apprentices received this support.
Barron Industries, Elite School Management, FANUC America Corporation and Gesher Human Services were honored for their commitment to Registered Apprenticeship Programs. The Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan (WIN) was also recognized for its role in helping more than 200 employers launch and manage Registered Apprenticeship Programs since 2018, including 56 new programs in the past year alone.
“Oakland County is committed to helping employers in our state build a skilled workforce and Registered Apprenticeship Programs do this,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Oakland County Michigan Works! and its partners work with employers every day to develop, launch and manage apprenticeship programs that attract workers of all ages and backgrounds.”
Statewide, Michigan recorded nearly 20,600 active apprentices across 1,200 Registered Apprenticeship Programs in 2024. Oakland County is home to 2,232 apprentices participating in 83 programs, with sectors such as IT, healthcare, education and professional services joining traditional fields like construction and manufacturing in launching new programs.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of employers interested in Registered Apprenticeship Programs over the past few years, as the local labor market remains very competitive and the need for talent is stronger than ever,” said Liz Rivard-Weston, Oakland County’s apprenticeship success coordinator. “Our commitment to help employers establish apprenticeships is growing, too.”
As part of the Race to Talent event, the four recognized employers shared their experiences launching apprenticeships:
FANUC America Corporation, a global leader in robotic automation, started its program in 2023 to train workers in advanced robotics and automation which are key skills in today’s manufacturing sector.
“This is a challenging time to find and build talent,” said Denise Scanlon, talent acquisition partner, FANUC America Corporation. “We took advantage of the opportunity to build a Registered Apprenticeship Program to build the skill sets of our workers and establish a long-term pipeline for talent.”
Barron Industries, a manufacturer of precision machined metal castings for the aerospace, defense and automotive sectors, launched its Registered Apprenticeship Program two years ago to address the needs of a transitioning workforce.
“Some of our employees have been with us for over 40 years and are now nearing a well-earned retirement,” said Lissa Barron, director of communications, Barron Industries. “As we look to the future, we’re committed to growing our team by investing in professional development and promoting from within. Our Registered Apprenticeship Program is a key part of this effort, helping us train and mentor the next generation of skilled machinists.”
Creating a Registered Apprenticeship Program can take up to a year, but organizations like WIN simplify the process as intermediaries.
“WIN serves as a bridge between employers and the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to help develop and expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs across traditional, non-traditional and emerging industries,” said Amanda Bauerschmidt, WIN workforce project manager. “This no-cost service, funded by the USDOL Apprenticeship Building America grant, supports employers in creating apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and has helped launch six apprenticeship intermediaries in Southeast Michigan.”
Elite School Management, which provides staffing to educational institutions, recently completed its second class of teacher aides, certified through a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
“You really need an intermediary to help with the process,” said President Leo Carr. “They explain what a Registered Apprenticeship is, how it works and how to launch it. WIN brought all the pieces together. The process was a pleasure compared to what I expected.”
Gesher Human Services followed a similar path in launching a program for direct support professionals.
“I was intimidated with the necessary paperwork and time commitment needed,” said James Willis, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Gesher Human Services. “WIN walked us through the process and made everything easier, including a review of the core competencies and classes, to managing the apprentices.”
Gesher apprentice Nancy Malesh added, “It’s nice to work for an employer that is willing to invest in me and help me grow.”
Panelists also highlighted the vital role Oakland County Michigan Works! plays in supporting the apprenticeship programs. In addition to helping employers secure up to $4,800 per apprentice in funding, the agency provides eligible participants with supportive services such as tool and equipment purchases, mileage reimbursement, auto repairs and more. In 2024, 202 apprentices received this support.
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