Workforce Development

16 stories

Michigan House backs school credit for full-time skilled trades work

Michigan high school seniors could soon earn academic credit for full-time jobs in skilled trades, thanks to a bill that just passed the state House and now heads to the Senate.

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University of Michigan greenlights $26M Lay Auto Lab overhaul

The University of Michigan will spend $26 million to modernize the Walter E. Lay Automotive Engineering Laboratory, expanding its electric vehicle and battery research by winter 2028.

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Michigan Engineers Push Forward on New Nuclear Reactor Projects as Power Demand Rises

Michigan researchers and industry partners are developing smaller nuclear reactors and new ways to involve communities as the state looks for reliable, low-carbon energy to meet growing electricity needs.

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Michigan Schools Expand Career Tech as Debate Over College Value Grows

Michigan is investing millions to expand career and technical education in schools, but with most high-demand jobs still requiring a bachelor's degree, educators and policymakers are divided on how far to push the skilled trades path for students

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Michigan Iron Workers Can Now Earn College Credit for Apprenticeships

A new Michigan program lets iron workers and other skilled trades earn college credit for completing registered apprenticeships, reducing the time needed for an associate degree at participating community colleges

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Request Foods expands frozen meal production in Holland Michigan

Request Foods has increased its frozen food manufacturing capacity in Holland with support from the Michigan Business Development Program, adding new single-serve meal lines and investing in workforce training to meet changing market demand

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Michigan Ranks High for Business but Faces Worker Shortage

Michigan is ranked among the top states for business in 2026 but continues to struggle with slow job growth and a shrinking workforce. New forecasts show the state's economic gains are not translating into more jobs or population growth.

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Michigan Ranks High for Business but Faces Worker Shortage

Michigan is ranked among the top states for business in 2026 but continues to struggle with slow job growth and a shrinking workforce. New forecasts show the state's economic gains are not translating into more jobs or population growth.

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Michigan Faces Job Shortages as Unemployment Remains High

Michigan's unemployment rate is now among the highest in the nation as the state's manufacturing sector contracts and job seekers outnumber available positions. A new report details the growing competition for work and the challenges facing residents

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Michigan Lawmaker Pushes for Federal Support to Upgrade State Ports

State Rep. Donni Steele met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to advocate for new investment in Michigan's ports and shipbuilding sector, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades and workforce development to keep the state competitive

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Michigan Lawmaker Pushes for Federal Support to Upgrade State Ports

State Rep. Donni Steele met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to advocate for new investment in Michigan's ports and shipbuilding sector, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades and workforce development to keep the state competitive

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New Federal Workforce Pell Grants Open Doors for Job Training Students

Community colleges nationwide are seeking approval to offer Workforce Pell grants, making short-term job training more affordable for students pursuing careers in fields like healthcare, trucking, and skilled trades

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New Toolkit Offers Solutions for State and Local Government Hiring

A nonprofit has released a practical toolkit to help state and local governments streamline hiring, address bottlenecks, and attract skilled workers as public sector roles evolve and private sector layoffs continue.

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States Shift AI Focus From Competition to Community Impact Farmington Voice

States Shift AI Focus From Competition to Community Impact

California, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina are rethinking artificial intelligence oversight, prioritizing public benefit and risk over industry competition as new systems enter workplaces and public services.

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Census Bureau Finds Over Half of U.S. Workers Now Use AI Tools

A new Census Bureau survey shows 55% of American workers have used AI for job tasks, with most reporting time savings. The findings highlight how AI is becoming routine in workplaces and raise questions for government adoption strategies.

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Bay City Charter School Expands Free Lineman Training for Teens

The Tri-County Trades High School Lineman Program in Bay City offers free, hands-on training for high school juniors and seniors, preparing them for skilled jobs in the electrical trades immediately after graduation.

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