Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency at the August 2025 Race to Talent Event.
(Photo courtesy of Oakland County)
Sixteen Oakland County employers have successfully launched 51 Registered Apprenticeships with support from the Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion & Readiness System (MiSTAIRS). Each employer was recognized as a “Registered Apprenticeship Champion” during a ceremony hosted by Oakland County Michigan Works!
The two-year MiSTAIRS program, which concluded in June, was designed to help employers develop their own workforce pipelines. Apprentices received paid, on-the-job training paired with classroom instruction, leading to industry-recognized credentials.
“It’s very gratifying to see a growing number of Oakland County employers address the shortage of skilled workers by launching their own apprenticeship programs,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Not only are they providing valuable training that can lead to rewarding careers, but they’re also cultivating loyalty and long-term employees.”
Employers honored for their commitment to Registered Apprenticeships include:
• Brightstar Care (Bloomfield Hills) – In-home care and medical staffing provider
• Battle Alley Brewing (Holly) – Craft brewery and eatery
• CSM Mechanical (Milford) – HVAC, electrical, and mechanical contractor
• Dürr Systems (Southfield) – Paint finishing and assembly systems supplier
• Evosys Laser Welding (Rochester Hills) – Laser plastic welding provider
• FANUC (Rochester Hills) – Global robotics and CNC systems leader
• FEV North America (Auburn Hills) – Engineering services provider
• Geniuses on Board (Southfield) – Childcare center in Southfield City Center
• Humanetics (Farmington Hills) – Manufacturer of crash test dummies and systems
• Montessori of Rochester – Childcare provider
• New Gateways (Waterford) – Nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities
• Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (Pontiac) – Human services nonprofit
• State Electric (Holly) – Residential and commercial electrical contractor
• SW North America (New Hudson) – CNC machining and automation supplier
• Williams International (Pontiac) – Defense contractor specializing in turbine engines
• X-Cel Industries (Southfield) – Metal coating provider
Since 2019, SW North America has graduated eight Registered Apprentices from its mechatronics program through the German American Chamber’s MAT2 initiative, all of whom remain employed full time. Each year, the company adds two new apprentices to maintain a steady pipeline of highly trained talent.
“In today’s market, attracting individuals to pursue careers in the skilled trades has been a significant challenge,” said Stacey Bryant, human resources manager for SW North America. “Having an educated workforce in a highly technical field is pivotal for the success and future of SW North America. Programs like this not only fill critical skills gaps but also demonstrate a long-term investment in workforce development.”
Currently, Oakland County is home to 2,232 apprentices across 83 active Registered Apprenticeship Programs, according to the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. While construction and manufacturing dominate, apprenticeship opportunities are also expanding into healthcare, IT, education, accounting and professional services.
Employers interested in launching a Registered Apprenticeship Program may contact Liz Rivard-Weston, Oakland County Michigan Works! apprenticeship success coordinator, at rivardwestone@oakgov.com.
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