Michigan Apprenticeship Programs

Michigan Apprenticeship Resource Guide

Find Registered Apprenticeships, apprenticeship sponsors, community college programs, youth and pre-apprenticeship pathways, workforce assistance, regional resources, and other earn-and-learn opportunities across Michigan.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an earn-and-learn approach that combines paid work with structured training for an occupation.

You learn by doing the job while earning a paycheck.

Depending on the employer and program, the training may be highly structured—or it may be more informal and employer-designed.

The details vary.

That is why it is important to understand what type of apprenticeship you are considering.

🟦 Registered Apprenticeship

A Registered Apprenticeship is a specific, formally approved type of apprenticeship.

Unlike the broader use of the word apprenticeship, Registered Apprenticeship follows defined standards and is registered through an authorized apprenticeship system.

A Registered Apprenticeship includes:

• Paid employment — you are employed and earn wages while training.
• Structured On-the-Job Learning — the program establishes what you will learn in the workplace.
• Related Technical Instruction — classroom, online, or technical learning supports the occupation.
• Experienced mentoring — you learn under the guidance of skilled workers.
• Progressive wages — apprentices receive wage increases as their skills and experience grow according to program standards.
• Defined training requirements — the program establishes the competencies, time, or combination required for completion.
• Registration and oversight — the program must meet established Registered Apprenticeship standards.
• Recognized completion credential — successful completion leads to a nationally recognized apprenticeship credential.

The key distinction is simple:

• An apprenticeship can be employer-designed.
• A Registered Apprenticeship must meet defined standards.

🟩 Employer / Unregistered Apprenticeship

Some Michigan employers offer apprenticeships that are not Registered Apprenticeships.

These can still be valuable paid career pathways.

They may provide:

• Paid employment
• Structured workplace training
• Mentoring
• Wage increases
• Technical instruction
• Industry credentials
• College credit
• Advancement into skilled employment

These features vary.

Before accepting an employer apprenticeship, ask:

• Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
• How is the training organized?
• Who will train and mentor me?
• How long does the program last?
• What skills will I learn?
• How does my pay increase?
• Is technical instruction included?
• What credential will I earn?
• Can I earn college credit?
• What job will I be qualified for when I finish?

Why Registered Apprenticeship Gets Special Attention

Registered Apprenticeship provides a defined combination of paid employment, structured training, mentoring, related instruction, progressive wages, and a recognized credential.

Michigan's manufacturing heritage makes apprenticeship especially important, but today's opportunities extend far beyond traditional factory and construction occupations.

Career seekers should investigate:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Automotive and mobility
• Electric vehicles and battery manufacturing
• Construction and skilled trades
• Healthcare
• Information technology
• Cybersecurity
• Transportation and logistics
• Energy and utilities
• Education
• Public-sector occupations
• Other skilled careers

Michigan Career Areas to Investigate

Recommended searches include:

• Tool and die apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Electrician apprentice
• Millwright apprentice
• Machine repair apprentice
• Manufacturing technician
• Automotive technician apprentice
• EV manufacturing technician
• Battery manufacturing technician
• Healthcare apprentice
• Medical assistant apprentice
• IT apprentice
• Cybersecurity apprentice
• Diesel technician apprentice
• Lineworker apprentice

Michigan's Manufacturing Advantage

Michigan has one of the country's deepest concentrations of automotive, mobility, advanced-manufacturing, tooling, engineering, and supplier companies.

That means career seekers should not search only major vehicle manufacturers.

Also investigate:

• Automotive suppliers
• Tool-and-die companies
• Machine shops
• Automation companies
• Robotics companies
• Battery manufacturers
• Equipment manufacturers
• Industrial-service companies
• Engineering companies
• Maintenance contractors

A smaller supplier may operate an excellent apprenticeship even when a major manufacturer is not recruiting apprentices.

How This Guide Is Organized

Use the sections that match what you need.

• 🟦 Registered Apprenticeship — Michigan apprenticeship resources, sponsors, Apprenticeship.com, Apprenticeship.gov, and ways to find opportunities.
• 🟪 Community College & Education-Connected Apprenticeship — Michigan community colleges, Related Technical Instruction, employer partnerships, college credit, certificates, and degrees.
• 🟨 Youth & School-to-Career Pathways — CTE, Work-Based Learning, youth apprenticeship, and resources for students, parents, and counselors.
• 🟧 Pre-Apprenticeship — preparation programs designed to connect participants with Registered Apprenticeship and skilled employment.
• 👷 Sponsors & Industry Programs — employers, unions, industry organizations, intermediaries, and established apprenticeship programs.
• 🏭 Advanced Manufacturing — machining, tooling, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, automation, robotics, and related careers.
• 🚗 Automotive, EV & Mobility — automotive manufacturing, electric vehicles, battery technology, suppliers, and service occupations.
• 🏛️ Government & Public-Sector Resources — state and local government, transportation, utilities, education, and public employers.
• 📍 Regional & Local Resources — Detroit, Southeast Michigan, Grand Rapids/West Michigan, Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Saginaw/Bay City/Midland, Northern Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula.
• 🟥 Specialized Resources — veterans, people with disabilities, women in nontraditional careers, reentry, opportunity youth, and other groups.
• 🟩 Beyond Registered Apprenticeship — employer/unregistered apprenticeship, OJT, paid Work-Based Learning, co-op, employer-paid training, and trainee programs.

For definitions of WBL, OJT, RTI, pre-apprenticeship, and other workforce terms, see the Apprenticeship & Earn-and-Learn Glossary on the Apprenticeship.com Resource Guides page.

What the Colored Squares Mean

• 🟦 Registered Apprenticeship
• 🟪 College & Education-Connected Apprenticeship
• 🟨 Youth Apprenticeship
• 🟧 Pre-Apprenticeship
• 🟩 Other Paid Earn-and-Learn
• 🟥 Military & Specialized Career Resources
• ⬛ Search, Workforce & Discovery Resources

Other symbols identify industries or resource types such as manufacturing, automotive, construction, healthcare, transportation, government, and utilities.

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🟩 Best Places to Start

Michigan career seekers should use state workforce resources, Michigan Works! agencies, federal apprenticeship tools, community colleges, apprenticeship sponsors, unions, industry organizations, and employer career sites together.

Do not rely on only one search source.

🟦 Registered Apprenticeship in Michigan

Michigan supports Registered Apprenticeship as part of its workforce-development strategy.

Start with:

• 🟦 Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity — Apprenticeships — Explore Michigan Apprenticeship Resources
• ⬛ Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity — Explore Workforce Resources

Use Michigan's apprenticeship resources to investigate:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• Apprenticeship expansion
• Employers and sponsors
• Apprenticeship occupations
• Education partners
• Workforce assistance

🟦 Apprenticeship.gov

Registered Apprenticeship programs in Michigan can also be researched through federal apprenticeship tools.

• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov — Explore Registered Apprenticeship
• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder — Search Current Opportunities
• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder — Find Michigan Sponsors & Partners

Use:

• Job Finder for current apprenticeship openings.
• Partner Finder to identify established sponsors even when they are not currently recruiting.

⬛ Apprenticeship.com

• ⬛ Apprenticeship.com — Search Apprenticeships

Use Apprenticeship.com as an additional national apprenticeship discovery resource.

Search by:

• Occupation
• Michigan
• City
• Region
• Industry

If Registered Apprenticeship status matters, verify the specific program through an authoritative state or federal source.

⬛ Michigan Works!

Michigan Works! agencies provide local workforce services throughout the state.

• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Local Michigan Works! Services

Ask:

• Which Registered Apprenticeships are recruiting?
• Which sponsors operate in my region?
• Which employers offer paid training?
• Is WIOA assistance available?
• Is On-the-Job Training available?
• Are supportive services available?
• Are pre-apprenticeship programs available?

⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect

Pure Michigan Talent Connect provides Michigan employment and career resources.

• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Michigan Careers

Search:

• Apprentice
• Trainee
• Technician
• Tool and die apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Manufacturing technician
• Automotive technician
• EV manufacturing technician
• Battery technician
• Healthcare apprentice
• IT apprentice
• Cybersecurity apprentice
• Diesel technician
• Utility trainee
• Paid training

🟪 Michigan Community Colleges

Michigan's community colleges are especially important apprenticeship partners because of the state's extensive manufacturing, skilled-trades, healthcare, and technical-education infrastructure.

• 🟪 Michigan Community College Association — Explore Michigan Community Colleges

Ask:

• Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors currently work with this college?
• Which employers are hiring apprentices?
• Does the college provide Related Technical Instruction?
• Can apprenticeship earn college credit?
• Can apprenticeship lead toward a certificate or associate degree?
• Are employer-sponsored apprenticeship classes available?
• Is pre-apprenticeship available?

🟪 Michigan Reconnect

Eligible adults may be able to use Michigan Reconnect to pursue qualifying community-college education or skills training.

• 🟪 Michigan Reconnect — Explore Michigan Reconnect

A Michigan Reconnect-supported program is not automatically an apprenticeship.

Ask:

• Can this program prepare me for apprenticeship?
• Which employers recruit from it?
• Does the college provide Related Technical Instruction for apprenticeship sponsors?
• Can I apply directly to an employer before enrolling?

Search the Sponsor, Not Only the Vacancy

A Registered Apprenticeship can exist even when the sponsor is not currently advertising an apprentice opening.

If you identify a program that interests you:

• Find the sponsor.
• Visit the sponsor's website.
• Check application periods.
• Search Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder.
• Contact the community college or RTI provider.
• Ask Michigan Works!.
• Ask when applications reopen.

Start With the Paid Job

Remember:

A community college may provide the education.

Michigan Works! may help with workforce assistance.

An intermediary may coordinate the program.

But apprenticeship includes paid employment.

Ask:

Which employer or apprenticeship sponsor provides the paid job, and how do I apply?

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🟪 Michigan Community Colleges & Apprenticeship

Michigan's community colleges are especially important to apprenticeship because many employers use colleges for Related Technical Instruction, skilled-trades education, manufacturing training, and college-credit pathways.

Depending on the program, a college may:

• Provide Related Technical Instruction
• Partner with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors
• Work directly with manufacturing and skilled-trades employers
• Help employers develop apprenticeship programs
• Award college credit where applicable
• Connect apprenticeship with certificates or degrees
• Support pre-apprenticeship
• Offer paid Work-Based Learning or co-op
• Help career seekers connect with employers

An important distinction:

The employer or apprenticeship sponsor generally provides the paid apprenticeship job.

A community college may provide the education connected with that job.

Do not assume that enrolling in a technical program automatically makes you an apprentice.

🟪 Verified Apprenticeship College vs. Other College Resources

When researching Michigan colleges, distinguish between:

Verified apprenticeship / RTI college — the college has a documented role supporting one or more apprenticeship programs, sponsors, or Related Technical Instruction pathways.

Other community college resource — the college provides relevant technical education, workforce programs, career services, co-op, or employer connections, but a specific apprenticeship relationship should be verified before describing the college as an apprenticeship provider.

This distinction matters because:

technical education ≠ apprenticeship

The practical question is:

Which employer or sponsor provides the paid job?

🟪 Henry Ford College

Henry Ford College serves Dearborn and Southeast Michigan's major automotive and advanced-manufacturing economy.

• 🟪 Henry Ford College — Explore HFC

Career seekers should investigate employer-connected pathways in:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Skilled trades
• Automotive
• Engineering technology
• Information technology
• Healthcare

Ask:

• Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors currently work with HFC?
• Which employers are hiring apprentices?
• Does HFC provide Related Technical Instruction?
• Can apprenticeship training earn college credit?

Status: Strong workforce and apprenticeship-related education resource — verify the specific sponsor and current recruiting.

🟪 Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College serves one of Michigan's largest concentrations of automotive, defense, manufacturing, tooling, and technical employers.

• 🟪 Macomb Community College — Explore Macomb

Career seekers should investigate:

• Advanced manufacturing
• CNC machining
• Skilled trades
• Mechatronics
• Automotive technology
• Robotics and automation
• Information technology
• Healthcare

Ask specifically about current apprenticeship sponsors and employer-sponsored training.

🟪 Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College serves Oakland County's diverse automotive, mobility, technology, healthcare, and advanced-manufacturing economy.

• 🟪 Oakland Community College — Explore OCC

Ask about:

• Apprenticeship
• Advanced manufacturing
• Automotive
• Industrial technology
• Information technology
• Healthcare
• Employer partnerships

🟪 Schoolcraft College

Schoolcraft College serves western Wayne County and surrounding Southeast Michigan communities.

• 🟪 Schoolcraft College — Explore Schoolcraft

Career seekers should investigate employer-connected pathways in:

• Manufacturing
• Welding
• Automotive
• Electronics
• Information technology
• Healthcare
• Skilled technical occupations

🟪 Washtenaw Community College

Washtenaw Community College — WCC — serves Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and surrounding communities.

• 🟪 Washtenaw Community College — Explore WCC

WCC is an especially useful resource for career seekers investigating:

• Skilled trades
• Advanced manufacturing
• Automotive and mobility
• Welding
• Industrial technology
• Information technology
• Healthcare

Ask which current Registered Apprenticeship sponsors use WCC for Related Technical Instruction or other apprenticeship-related education.

🟪 Monroe County Community College

Monroe County Community College serves southeastern Michigan near the Ohio border.

• 🟪 Monroe County Community College — Explore MCCC

Ask about:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Skilled trades
• Welding
• Automotive
• Industrial technology
• Employer-connected training

🟪 Mott Community College

Mott Community College serves Flint and Genesee County.

• 🟪 Mott Community College — Explore Mott

Career seekers should investigate:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Automotive
• Skilled trades
• Welding
• Healthcare
• Information technology
• Employer partnerships

🟪 Lansing Community College

Lansing Community College — LCC — serves the state-capital region and a large manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, and public-sector economy.

• 🟪 Lansing Community College — Explore LCC

Ask about:

• Apprenticeship
• Manufacturing
• Skilled trades
• Mechatronics
• Automotive
• Information technology
• Healthcare
• Employer-sponsored training

🟪 Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College — GRCC — serves one of Michigan's strongest manufacturing and healthcare regions.

• 🟪 Grand Rapids Community College — Explore GRCC

Career seekers should investigate:

• Apprenticeship training
• Advanced manufacturing
• Tooling
• Machining
• Industrial maintenance
• Mechatronics
• Construction trades
• Healthcare
• Information technology

Ask which employers currently sponsor apprentices receiving instruction through GRCC.

🟪 Muskegon Community College

Muskegon Community College serves West Michigan's manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and skilled-trades economy.

• 🟪 Muskegon Community College — Explore MCC

Ask about current employer-connected apprenticeship and technical-training pathways.

🟪 Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Kalamazoo Valley Community College serves the Kalamazoo region.

• 🟪 Kalamazoo Valley Community College — Explore KVCC

Career seekers should investigate:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Industrial technology
• Mechatronics
• Welding
• Healthcare
• Information technology
• Employer partnerships

🟪 Kellogg Community College

Kellogg Community College serves Battle Creek and surrounding Southwest Michigan communities.

• 🟪 Kellogg Community College — Explore KCC

Ask about:

• Industrial trades
• Manufacturing technology
• Skilled trades
• Welding
• Employer-sponsored apprenticeship instruction
• Workforce training

🟪 Jackson College

Jackson College serves South-Central Michigan.

• 🟪 Jackson College — Explore Jackson College

Ask about employer-connected pathways in:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Skilled technical fields
• Healthcare
• Information technology
• Energy-related occupations

🟪 Mid Michigan College

Mid Michigan College serves communities in Central Michigan.

• 🟪 Mid Michigan College — Explore Mid Michigan

Career seekers should investigate regional manufacturing, skilled-trades, healthcare, and technical workforce pathways.

🟪 Delta College

Delta College serves the Great Lakes Bay Region.

• 🟪 Delta College — Explore Delta

Ask about:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Skilled trades
• Chemical-process and industrial occupations
• Automotive
• Healthcare
• Information technology
• Employer-connected training

🟪 Northwestern Michigan College

Northwestern Michigan College — NMC — serves Traverse City and Northern Michigan.

• 🟪 Northwestern Michigan College — Explore NMC

Career seekers should investigate:

• Skilled technical programs
• Manufacturing
• Automotive
• Marine technology
• Aviation
• Information technology
• Employer-connected workforce programs

🟪 Bay College

Bay College serves the Upper Peninsula.

• 🟪 Bay College — Explore Bay College

Ask about:

• Welding
• Advanced manufacturing
• Skilled trades
• Automotive
• Water and environmental technology
• Employer-connected training

🟪 Gogebic Community College

Gogebic Community College serves the western Upper Peninsula.

• 🟪 Gogebic Community College — Explore GCC

Ask about regional technical education, workforce training, employer partnerships, and apprenticeship connections.

🟪 Questions to Ask a Michigan Community College

Do not ask only:

“Do you have apprenticeships?”

Ask:

• Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors do you currently work with?
• Which employers are currently hiring apprentices?
• Which apprenticeship occupations are supported?
• Does the college provide Related Technical Instruction?
• Do I apply to the employer or college first?
• Can apprenticeship earn college credit?
• Can apprenticeship lead toward a certificate or associate degree?
• Is pre-apprenticeship available?
• Are paid Work-Based Learning or co-op opportunities available?
• Can you connect me with an apprenticeship sponsor?
• Is workforce funding available?
• Does Michigan Reconnect apply to related education?

🟪 College Credit & Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship and college do not always have to be competing choices.

Depending on the program, a Michigan apprentice may be able to combine:

• Paid employment
• Registered Apprenticeship
• Related Technical Instruction
• College credit
• Industry credentials
• A certificate
• An associate degree

Ask:

• Does apprenticeship instruction carry college credit?
• Can apprenticeship experience count toward a college credential?
• Can industry credentials receive college credit?
• Can I continue toward a higher credential after apprenticeship?
• Does the employer or sponsor pay tuition?

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🟨 Michigan Youth Apprenticeship & Career Preparation

Michigan students can begin preparing for apprenticeship and skilled careers through Career and Technical Education, Work-Based Learning, Early Middle College, community-college programs, pre-apprenticeship, and employer partnerships.

Start with:

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeships
• 🟨 Michigan Career and Technical Education — Explore Michigan CTE
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Local Workforce Services
• 🟪 Michigan Community Colleges — Explore Community Colleges

🟨 Michigan Career & Technical Education

Michigan CTE programs help students develop occupational skills and prepare for employment, postsecondary education, and apprenticeship.

Career pathways can include:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Machining
• Welding
• Construction
• Automotive
• Engineering technology
• Healthcare
• Information technology
• Cybersecurity
• Transportation
• Agriculture
• Other skilled occupations

CTE can provide preparation for:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• Pre-apprenticeship
• Paid employment
• Community-college education
• Industry credentials
• Work-Based Learning

CTE itself is not automatically apprenticeship.

🟨 Work-Based Learning

Michigan schools, CTE programs, colleges, workforce organizations, and employers may connect students with Work-Based Learning.

Depending on the program, students may participate in:

• Career exploration
• Employer-connected projects
• Workplace experience
• Occupational training
• Paid employment
• Apprenticeship-connected training

Work-Based Learning is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

Ask:

• Is the experience paid?
• Will the student be an employee?
• Which employer participates?
• What occupational skills will the student learn?
• Is the employer a Registered Apprenticeship sponsor?
• Can the experience lead into apprenticeship after graduation?

🟨 Youth Apprenticeship

Youth apprenticeship can allow students to begin occupational learning while completing high school.

Depending on the specific pathway, students may combine:

• High-school education
• Paid employment
• On-the-Job Learning
• Technical instruction
• Industry credentials
• College credit

A youth apprenticeship is not automatically a Registered Apprenticeship.

Ask:

• Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
• Is it aligned with Registered Apprenticeship?
• Which employer provides the paid job?
• What wage does the student earn?
• Who provides technical instruction?
• Can the student earn college credit?
• Can the apprenticeship continue after graduation?
• What credential will the student earn?

🟨 Early Middle College

Michigan's Early Middle College pathways can allow eligible students to combine high-school education with postsecondary coursework and credentials.

Depending on the local program, students may earn:

• College credit
• Industry credentials
• A certificate
• An associate degree
• Other recognized postsecondary credentials

Early Middle College is not automatically apprenticeship.

Ask whether the pathway connects with:

• A Registered Apprenticeship sponsor
• Paid Work-Based Learning
• A specific employer
• Pre-apprenticeship
• Technical occupations with local demand

🟨 For Parents & Counselors

Parents and counselors should help students compare:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• Youth apprenticeship
• Career and Technical Education
• Work-Based Learning
• Early Middle College
• Pre-apprenticeship
• Community-college technical education

Ask:

• Is the student an employee?
• Is the opportunity paid?
• Is it a Registered Apprenticeship?
• Is the employer a Registered Apprenticeship sponsor?
• Does the pathway lead into Registered Apprenticeship?
• Which employer participates?
• What occupational skills will the student learn?
• What credential can the student earn?
• Can the student earn college credit?
• What happens after high-school graduation?

🟧 Michigan Pre-Apprenticeship

Pre-apprenticeship can help career seekers prepare for entry into Registered Apprenticeship and skilled employment.

It is not Registered Apprenticeship.

A pre-apprenticeship may provide:

• Career exploration
• Occupational preparation
• Skilled-trades math
• Hands-on technical training
• Safety training
• Workplace readiness
• Industry credentials
• Employer exposure
• Connections with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors

Pre-apprenticeship may be:

• Paid
• Stipend-supported
• Unpaid

Before enrolling, ask:

• Is the program free?
• Is there a wage or stipend?
• Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors participate?
• Which employers or unions recruit participants?
• What occupation does the program prepare me for?
• What credential will I earn?
• Does completion provide preferred consideration or advanced standing?
• What paid opportunity can follow?

🟧 Manufacturing Apprenticeship Readiness

Michigan career seekers interested in manufacturing should look for preparation connected with actual employers and apprenticeship sponsors.

Training may include:

• Manufacturing math
• Blueprint reading
• Measurement
• Safety
• Basic machining
• Industrial technology
• Workplace readiness

Ask:

• Which employers recruit participants?
• Which Registered Apprenticeships recognize the training?
• Is training free?
• Is there a stipend?
• What paid job follows?

🟧 Construction Apprenticeship Readiness

Career seekers interested in building trades should investigate preparation programs connected directly with construction apprenticeship sponsors.

Preparation may include:

• Construction math
• Safety
• Tools
• Workplace readiness
• Physical preparation
• Industry terminology
• Interview preparation
• Apprenticeship application assistance

Ask which sponsors recognize or recruit from the program.

🟧 Evaluate Where Pre-Apprenticeship Leads

A strong pathway should provide a clear bridge:

career preparation → occupational skills → sponsor or employer connection → paid apprenticeship or employment

Do not evaluate pre-apprenticeship only by the classes it provides.

Evaluate where participants go next.

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👷 Michigan Apprenticeship Sponsors & Industry Programs

Finding a Registered Apprenticeship is not only about finding a current job posting.

A sponsor may operate an established apprenticeship even when it is not currently recruiting.

Registered Apprenticeship sponsors can include:

• Individual employers
• Groups of employers
• Unions
• Joint labor-management organizations
• Industry associations
• Community colleges
• Public agencies
• Apprenticeship intermediaries
• Other approved organizations

Use:

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Michigan Apprenticeship
• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder — Find Michigan Sponsors
• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder — Search Current Opportunities
• ⬛ Apprenticeship.com — Search Apprenticeships
• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Michigan Careers

When you identify a sponsor, ask:

• Which occupations do you train?
• Which employers participate?
• When do applications open?
• How often do you recruit?
• What geographic area do you serve?
• What are the entry requirements?
• Is testing required?
• Where is Related Technical Instruction provided?
• What is the starting wage?
• How does wage progression work?

🏭 Advanced Manufacturing

Manufacturing is central to Michigan's apprenticeship landscape.

Career seekers should investigate both traditional skilled trades and newer technical occupations.

Search:

• Tool and die apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Machinist apprentice
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Machine repair apprentice
• Millwright apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Manufacturing technician apprentice
• Automation technician
• Robotics technician
• Electrical technician
• Maintenance mechanic apprentice

🛠️ Tool & Die

Tool and die is one of Michigan's signature skilled occupations.

Apprentices may learn to:

• Read blueprints
• Operate machine tools
• Use precision measurement equipment
• Build and repair dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures
• Work with CNC equipment
• Troubleshoot manufacturing processes

Search:

• Tool and die apprentice
• Toolmaker apprentice
• Die maker apprentice
• Mold maker apprentice
• Toolroom apprentice

Ask:

• Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
• Which employer provides the job?
• Which college provides Related Technical Instruction?
• How does wage progression work?
• Can apprenticeship earn college credit?
• What credential follows completion?

🛠️ Machining & CNC

Michigan's automotive, aerospace, defense, medical-device, and industrial supply chains need precision machining workers.

Search:

• Machinist apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Precision machining apprentice
• CNC trainee
• Machine tool apprentice

Do not search only large manufacturers.

Also investigate:

• Machine shops
• Tool-and-die companies
• Mold makers
• Aerospace suppliers
• Automotive suppliers
• Medical-device manufacturers
• Equipment manufacturers

🛠️ Industrial Maintenance & Machine Repair

Modern factories need skilled workers to maintain increasingly complex production equipment.

Search:

• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Machine repair apprentice
• Maintenance mechanic apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Electromechanical technician apprentice
• Maintenance technician trainee

Skills can include:

• Mechanical systems
• Electrical systems
• Hydraulics
• Pneumatics
• Controls
• Robotics
• Automation
• Troubleshooting

🤖 Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics

Michigan's highly automated manufacturing economy creates growing demand for workers who can install, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve automated production systems.

Search:

• Mechatronics apprentice
• Automation technician apprentice
• Robotics technician
• Controls technician
• Electromechanical technician
• Industrial maintenance apprentice

Not every automation or robotics trainee program is a Registered Apprenticeship.

Verify the specific pathway.

🏭 Search the Supplier Network

Do not limit your search to Michigan's largest manufacturers.

Major manufacturers rely on thousands of:

• Tier 1 suppliers
• Tier 2 suppliers
• Machine shops
• Tool-and-die companies
• Automation companies
• Robotics integrators
• Equipment manufacturers
• Maintenance contractors
• Engineering firms
• Technical-service companies

These smaller and midsize employers can provide excellent apprenticeship opportunities.

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=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 2B ===

🚗 Automotive, EV, Battery & Mobility Careers

Michigan's automotive industry is changing as vehicle manufacturers and suppliers invest in electric vehicles, batteries, advanced electronics, automation, software, and new manufacturing systems.

This creates both traditional and emerging earn-and-learn pathways.

Career seekers should investigate:

• Automotive manufacturing
• Electric-vehicle manufacturing
• Battery manufacturing
• Automotive suppliers
• Mobility technology
• Industrial maintenance
• Automation
• Robotics
• Electrical systems
• Quality
• Tooling

Recommended searches:

• Automotive manufacturing apprentice
• EV manufacturing technician
• Battery manufacturing technician
• Manufacturing technician
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Robotics technician
• Automation technician
• Electrical technician
• Quality technician
• Tool and die apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice

🚗 Automotive Service & Repair

Michigan's automotive economy also creates apprenticeship and employer-paid training opportunities outside manufacturing.

Search:

• Automotive technician apprentice
• Automotive service apprentice
• Collision-repair apprentice
• Body technician apprentice
• Diesel technician apprentice
• Fleet mechanic apprentice

Check:

• Automotive dealerships
• Collision-repair employers
• Truck dealers
• Fleet operators
• Municipal fleets
• Transportation companies

Some employers may provide manufacturer-supported training even when the pathway is not a Registered Apprenticeship.

🔋 Battery Manufacturing

Battery and EV investment can create technical roles such as:

• Battery manufacturing technician
• Maintenance technician
• Electrical technician
• Automation technician
• Controls technician
• Quality technician
• Process technician
• Manufacturing technician

A battery-manufacturing technician program is not automatically apprenticeship.

Ask:

• Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
• Is training paid?
• Am I hired before training?
• Does the employer pay for technical education?
• Is a community college involved?
• What permanent job follows training?

👷 Construction & Skilled Trades

Construction remains an important Michigan apprenticeship sector.

Search:

• Electrician apprentice
• Carpenter apprentice
• Plumber apprentice
• Pipefitter apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• Sheet-metal apprentice
• Operating engineer apprentice
• Ironworker apprentice
• Laborer apprentice
• Boilermaker apprentice
• Insulator apprentice
• Other building trades

Use:

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship
• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder — Find Michigan Sponsors
• ⬛ Apprenticeship.com — Search Apprenticeships

👷 Union & Joint Apprenticeship Programs

Union and joint labor-management programs are an important route into Michigan construction careers.

Search for apprenticeship programs in:

• Electrical
• Carpentry
• Plumbing
• Pipefitting
• Sheet metal
• Operating engineering
• Ironwork
• Laborers
• Boilermaking
• Other skilled trades

Before applying, confirm:

• Registered Apprenticeship status
• Application period
• Geographic jurisdiction
• Starting wage
• Wage progression
• Related Technical Instruction
• Training location
• Testing requirements
• Fees

🏥 Healthcare Apprenticeship

Michigan healthcare employers can use apprenticeship and other earn-and-learn approaches to develop workers.

Recommended searches:

• Medical assistant apprentice
• Nursing apprentice
• CNA apprentice
• Pharmacy technician apprentice
• Sterile processing technician
• Behavioral health technician
• Community health worker
• Healthcare apprentice

Ask:

• Is the program a Registered Apprenticeship?
• Which employer provides the paid job?
• Who is the sponsor?
• Who provides Related Technical Instruction?
• Can apprenticeship earn college credit?
• What healthcare credential does the program lead toward?

💻 Information Technology & Cybersecurity

Technology apprenticeship can provide pathways into:

• IT support
• Cybersecurity
• Networking
• Software development
• Data
• Cloud technology

Recommended searches:

• IT apprentice
• Cybersecurity apprentice
• Software developer apprentice
• Help-desk technician
• Network technician
• Data analyst apprentice
• Cloud technician

Search:

• Michigan apprenticeship resources
• Apprenticeship.gov
• Apprenticeship.com
• Michigan Works!
• Community colleges
• Employer career sites

🚚 Transportation & Logistics

Michigan's manufacturing economy, international border crossings, highways, warehouses, and freight networks create substantial transportation and logistics demand.

Search:

• Diesel technician apprentice
• Fleet mechanic apprentice
• Automotive technician apprentice
• Commercial driver apprentice
• Transportation technician
• Logistics technician
• Heavy-equipment technician
• Driver trainee

Check:

• Trucking employers
• Logistics companies
• Manufacturers
• Distribution centers
• Fleet operations
• Public agencies

⚡ Energy & Utilities

Michigan utilities and energy employers provide technical career pathways.

Search:

• Lineworker apprentice
• Utility apprentice
• Electrical technician
• Substation technician
• Gas technician
• Instrumentation technician
• Plant operator trainee
• Maintenance technician

Some utility programs may be Registered Apprenticeships.

Others may be employer-designed apprenticeships or trainee programs.

Verify the specific pathway.

🚰 Water & Wastewater

Michigan communities need trained water and wastewater workers.

Search:

• Water treatment operator trainee
• Wastewater treatment operator trainee
• Water distribution operator
• Utility technician
• Maintenance technician
• Instrumentation technician
• Electrical technician

Check:

• Cities
• Townships
• Counties
• Water authorities
• Utilities
• Public works departments

Ask:

• Is the position paid?
• Is training provided?
• Does the employer pay for certification?
• Is there structured wage progression?
• Is the position part of a Registered Apprenticeship?

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 2B ===

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 2C ===

🏛️ Michigan Government & Public-Sector Careers

Government and public employers can provide Registered Apprenticeship, trainee positions, technical careers, and other paid career-development opportunities.

Search:

• Apprentice
• Trainee
• Technician
• Operator
• Maintenance
• Mechanic
• Equipment operator
• Public works
• Transportation
• Information technology
• Utilities
• Water/wastewater

A public-sector trainee position is not automatically a Registered Apprenticeship.

🏛️ State of Michigan Careers

Michigan state government employs workers across technical, skilled, healthcare, administrative, environmental, and professional occupations.

• 🏛️ State of Michigan Careers — Search State Employment

Search career areas such as:

• Transportation
• Information technology
• Skilled maintenance
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Environmental services
• Facilities
• Equipment operation

Also search:

• Apprentice
• Trainee
• Technician
• Operator
• Mechanic

🚧 Michigan Department of Transportation

Michigan Department of Transportation — MDOT — employs workers in transportation, highway maintenance, equipment, engineering, and technical occupations.

• 🚧 Michigan Department of Transportation — Explore MDOT
• 🏛️ State of Michigan Careers — Search State Jobs

Recommended searches:

• Transportation technician
• Highway maintenance
• Equipment operator
• Engineering technician
• Mechanic
• Electrical
• Maintenance
• Trainee

🚌 Public Transit

Michigan transit agencies can employ technical workers in:

• Bus maintenance
• Fleet maintenance
• Diesel technology
• Electrical systems
• Facilities
• Transportation operations

Search:

• Bus mechanic
• Diesel technician
• Fleet technician
• Maintenance trainee
• Facilities technician
• Electrical technician

A transit trainee program is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

Verify the specific pathway.

🏙️ Cities, Counties & Public Agencies

Michigan cities, counties, townships, utilities, water authorities, public works departments, transit agencies, and other public organizations employ technical workers.

Search local-government career sites for:

• Apprentice
• Trainee
• Technician
• Operator
• Mechanic
• Maintenance
• Public works
• Water
• Wastewater
• Fleet
• Facilities
• Information technology

Public employers may provide strong paid career pathways even when they are not Registered Apprenticeships.

🏫 School Systems & Education

Michigan school districts, community colleges, universities, and other education organizations employ technical workers in:

• Facilities
• HVAC
• Electrical
• Information technology
• Transportation
• Fleet maintenance
• Building operations

Education itself can also provide apprenticeship pathways.

Search:

• Teacher apprentice
• Paraprofessional apprentice
• Early-childhood educator apprentice
• Child-care apprentice

Verify whether a specific program is a Registered Apprenticeship.

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 2C ===

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 2D ===

🟥 Veterans & Transitioning Service Members

Veterans and transitioning service members can combine Michigan workforce resources with national military apprenticeship and transition programs.

Michigan's advanced-manufacturing, automotive, defense, technology, healthcare, construction, transportation, and utilities sectors can provide strong civilian pathways for military experience.

Career pathways can include:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• DoD SkillBridge
• USMAP
• GI Bill apprenticeship benefits
• On-the-Job Training
• Michigan Works! services
• Employer transition programs

🟥 Michigan Veterans Employment Resources

Start with:

• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Local Workforce Services
• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Michigan Careers
• 🟥 Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — Explore Michigan Veterans Resources
• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Registered Apprenticeship

Veterans should ask about:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• On-the-Job Training
• Occupational training
• Employer connections
• Veteran employment services
• Career counseling
• Workforce funding

🟥 DoD SkillBridge

• 🟥 DoD SkillBridge — Explore SkillBridge

Eligible transitioning service members can investigate approved civilian employment and training experiences.

Michigan career areas to investigate include:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Automotive and mobility
• EV and battery manufacturing
• Defense manufacturing
• Skilled trades
• Information technology
• Cybersecurity
• Transportation and logistics
• Healthcare
• Utilities

🟥 USMAP Military Apprenticeship

• 🟥 United Services Military Apprenticeship Program — USMAP — Explore USMAP

USMAP allows eligible service members to complete apprenticeship requirements while performing qualifying military occupational work.

USMAP and SkillBridge serve different purposes:

• USMAP — apprenticeship while performing qualifying military work.
• SkillBridge — approved civilian career experience during military transition.

🟥 GI Bill Benefits for Apprenticeship & OJT

Eligible veterans and other beneficiaries may be able to use GI Bill benefits while completing an approved apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training program.

• 🟥 VA Apprenticeship & On-the-Job Training Benefits — Explore VA Benefits

Ask:

• Is this apprenticeship approved for VA education benefits?
• Is this OJT program approved?
• Can military experience receive credit?
• Can previous training provide advanced standing?
• What benefits may be available while I earn apprenticeship wages?

🟥 Michigan Defense & Manufacturing Careers

Michigan has a significant defense-industrial and mobility economy.

Veterans should search for civilian pathways in:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Machining
• Tool and die
• Industrial maintenance
• Automotive
• Defense vehicles
• Electronics
• Engineering technology
• Logistics
• Information technology
• Cybersecurity

Search both apprentice and trainee.

Military technical experience may be valuable to employers even when a job is not formally designated for veterans.

🟥 Helmets to Hardhats

Veterans and transitioning service members interested in construction should investigate Helmets to Hardhats.

• 🟥 Helmets to Hardhats — Explore Construction Career Pathways
• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Michigan Apprenticeship

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 2D ===

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 2E ===

🟥 People With Disabilities

Michigan Rehabilitation Services can help eligible people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintain, and advance in employment.

• 🟥 Michigan Rehabilitation Services — Explore Vocational Rehabilitation

Ask about:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• Occupational training
• Paid Work-Based Learning
• On-the-Job Training
• Career counseling
• Postsecondary education
• Employer connections
• Assistive technology
• Workplace accommodations
• Job placement

🟥 Students & Youth With Disabilities

Students and families should ask about:

• Pre-employment transition services
• Career exploration
• Work-Based Learning
• Career and Technical Education
• Early Middle College
• Pre-apprenticeship
• Youth apprenticeship
• Registered Apprenticeship
• Community-college education
• Paid employment

Ask whether apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship can be incorporated into the student's employment plan.

🟥 Women in Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Careers

Women interested in occupations where women have historically been underrepresented should investigate:

• Construction
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Pipefitting
• HVAC
• Welding
• Tool and die
• Machining
• Industrial maintenance
• Automotive and EV manufacturing
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Information technology

Resources:

• 🟥 U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau — Apprenticeships — Explore Resources
• 🟥 Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations — WANTO — Explore WANTO
• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Apprenticeship.com — Search Apprenticeships

When a Michigan-specific women-in-trades, manufacturing, transportation, or pre-apprenticeship program is available, verify current recruiting, funding, and sponsor connections directly.

🟥 Reentry & Justice-Impacted Career Seekers

A previous conviction does not automatically make every apprenticeship or skilled occupation unavailable.

Requirements vary by:

• Employer
• Occupation
• Licensing requirements
• Worksite
• Apprenticeship sponsor

Start with:

• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Careers
• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Apprenticeship.com — Search Apprenticeships

Ask about:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• Pre-apprenticeship
• WIOA
• On-the-Job Training
• Occupational training
• Employer connections
• Supportive services

If an occupation requires a professional or occupational license, check licensing requirements separately.

🟥 Opportunity Youth

Young adults who are not currently connected to school or employment should investigate:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• Youth apprenticeship
• Pre-apprenticeship
• WIOA youth programs
• Paid Work-Based Learning
• Career and Technical Education
• Community-college programs
• Employer-paid training

Start with:

• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Local Workforce Services
• 🟨 Michigan Career and Technical Education — Explore CTE
• 🟪 Michigan Community Colleges — Explore Colleges
• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship

🟥 Career Changers & Dislocated Workers

Apprenticeship is not only for people entering the workforce for the first time.

Adults changing careers or workers affected by layoffs should investigate:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• WIOA-funded training
• On-the-Job Training
• Paid Work-Based Learning
• Community-college technical education
• Michigan Reconnect
• Employer-paid training

Resources:

• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Explore Workforce Assistance
• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Careers
• 🟪 Michigan Reconnect — Explore Michigan Reconnect
• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship

🟥 Rural Michigan Career Seekers

Apprenticeship is not limited to Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Michigan's other major employment centers.

Career seekers in rural Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula should investigate:

• Healthcare
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Forestry and wood products
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Automotive and diesel
• Public works
• Energy

Ask:

• Does the sponsor serve multiple counties?
• Where is Related Technical Instruction?
• Is online or hybrid instruction available?
• How far will I need to travel?
• Is transportation assistance available?
• Are supportive services available?

Michigan Works! agencies and community colleges can be particularly valuable regional contacts.

How Specialized Resources Fit Into Your Search

Specialized programs should supplement—not replace—the main apprenticeship search.

Use both:

Main search resources

• Michigan apprenticeship resources
• Apprenticeship.com
• Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder
• Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder
• Michigan Works!
• Pure Michigan Talent Connect
• Community colleges
• Apprenticeship sponsors
• Employer career sites

Specialized resources

• Veterans services
• SkillBridge
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Youth workforce programs
• CTE
• Early Middle College
• Reentry resources
• Michigan Reconnect
• WIOA
• Other population-specific assistance

A specialized program may help with preparation, education costs, supportive services, or employer connections.

The paid apprenticeship job still comes from the employer or apprenticeship sponsor.

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 2E ===

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 3A ===

📍 Michigan Regional & Local Resources

Michigan's industries and apprenticeship opportunities vary considerably by region.

Use statewide apprenticeship resources together with Michigan Works! agencies, community colleges, apprenticeship sponsors, unions, industry organizations, public employers, and employer career sites.

Each regional section includes:

• Priority industries
• Recommended occupations to search
• Direct local resources

The occupation lists are search recommendations, not claims that a current apprenticeship opening exists.

📍 Detroit & Wayne County

Detroit and Wayne County sit at the center of Michigan's automotive, mobility, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, construction, and technology economy.

Priority Industries

• Automotive and mobility
• Advanced manufacturing
• EV and battery manufacturing
• Construction and skilled trades
• Healthcare
• Transportation and logistics
• Information technology
• Utilities
• Public-sector employment

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Tool and die apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Machine repair apprentice
• Millwright apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Manufacturing technician
• Automotive manufacturing technician
• EV manufacturing technician
• Battery manufacturing technician
• Electrician apprentice
• Pipefitter apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• Healthcare apprentice
• IT apprentice
• Automotive technician
• Diesel technician
• Utility technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Michigan Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Local Workforce Services
• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Michigan Careers
• 🟪 Henry Ford College — Explore HFC
• 🏙️ City of Detroit — Explore City Resources

Search major automotive employers, but also search:

• Automotive suppliers
• Tool-and-die companies
• Machine shops
• Automation companies
• Logistics companies
• Construction sponsors
• Healthcare systems
• Utilities
• Public employers

📍 Macomb County

Macomb County has one of Michigan's strongest concentrations of advanced manufacturing, automotive, defense, tooling, machining, and technical employers.

Priority Industries

• Advanced manufacturing
• Automotive
• Defense manufacturing
• Tool and die
• Precision machining
• Automation and robotics
• Construction
• Healthcare
• Information technology

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Tool and die apprentice
• Machinist apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Machine repair apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Automation technician
• Robotics technician
• Manufacturing technician
• Electrician apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• Healthcare apprentice
• IT technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🟪 Macomb Community College — Explore Macomb
• 🏛️ Macomb County — Explore County Resources

Do not search only the largest defense or automotive employers.

Macomb County's network of smaller manufacturers, machine shops, tooling companies, and suppliers can be especially important for apprenticeship.

📍 Oakland County

Oakland County combines automotive and mobility employers with technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, professional services, and construction.

Priority Industries

• Automotive and mobility
• Information technology
• Cybersecurity
• Advanced manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Transportation
• Utilities

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Automotive technician
• Manufacturing technician
• Industrial maintenance technician
• Mechatronics technician
• IT apprentice
• Cybersecurity apprentice
• Software developer apprentice
• Healthcare apprentice
• Electrician apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• Utility technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Registered Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Local Workforce Services
• 🟪 Oakland Community College — Explore OCC
• 🏛️ Oakland County — Explore County Resources

📍 Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti & Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County combines automotive and mobility research, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, education, and skilled trades.

Priority Industries

• Automotive and mobility
• Advanced manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Information technology
• Construction
• Research and technology
• Transportation

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Manufacturing technician
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Industrial maintenance technician
• Automotive technician
• EV technician
• Healthcare apprentice
• IT apprentice
• Cybersecurity apprentice
• Electrician apprentice
• HVAC apprentice

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🟪 Washtenaw Community College — Explore WCC
• 🏛️ Washtenaw County — Explore County Resources

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 3A ===

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 3B ===

📍 Grand Rapids & West Michigan

Grand Rapids and West Michigan have one of the state's strongest concentrations of advanced manufacturing, healthcare, medical-device, furniture, food production, construction, and technology employers.

Priority Industries

• Advanced manufacturing
• Tooling and machining
• Healthcare
• Medical devices
• Construction
• Food production
• Information technology
• Transportation and logistics

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Tool and die apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Machinist apprentice
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Manufacturing technician
• Automation technician
• Healthcare apprentice
• Medical assistant apprentice
• Electrician apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• IT apprentice
• Diesel technician
• Logistics technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Registered Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Careers
• 🟪 Grand Rapids Community College — Explore GRCC
• 🏙️ City of Grand Rapids — Explore City Resources

Search manufacturers throughout the regional supplier network, not only the largest employers.

📍 Muskegon & Lakeshore

Priority Industries

• Advanced manufacturing
• Machining
• Metalworking
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Transportation
• Utilities

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Machinist apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Manufacturing technician
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Welder
• Electrician apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• Healthcare apprentice
• Diesel technician
• Utility technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🟪 Muskegon Community College — Explore MCC

📍 Lansing & Mid-Michigan

The Lansing region combines automotive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, state government, healthcare, construction, technology, and logistics.

Priority Industries

• Automotive manufacturing
• Advanced manufacturing
• State government
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Information technology
• Transportation
• Utilities

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Tool and die apprentice
• Manufacturing technician
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Machine repair apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Automotive manufacturing technician
• Electrician apprentice
• Healthcare apprentice
• IT apprentice
• Diesel technician
• Utility technician
• Facilities technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🟪 Lansing Community College — Explore LCC
• 🏛️ State of Michigan Careers — Search State Employment
• 🏙️ City of Lansing — Explore City Resources

📍 Flint & Genesee County

Flint and Genesee County retain strong connections to automotive and advanced manufacturing while also offering healthcare, construction, transportation, and public-sector careers.

Priority Industries

• Automotive
• Advanced manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Public-sector employment

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Tool and die apprentice
• Manufacturing technician
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Machine repair apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Automotive technician
• Electrician apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• Healthcare apprentice
• Diesel technician
• Utility technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Registered Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🟪 Mott Community College — Explore Mott
• 🏛️ Genesee County — Explore County Resources

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 3B ===

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 3C ===

📍 Kalamazoo, Battle Creek & Southwest Michigan

Priority Industries

• Advanced manufacturing
• Medical devices
• Food production
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Transportation and logistics
• Information technology
• Utilities

Recommended Occupations to Search

• CNC machinist apprentice
• Manufacturing technician
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Automation technician
• Process technician
• Healthcare apprentice
• Electrician apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• IT technician
• Diesel technician
• Logistics technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🟪 Kalamazoo Valley Community College — Explore KVCC
• 🟪 Kellogg Community College — Explore KCC

📍 Great Lakes Bay Region — Saginaw, Bay City & Midland

Priority Industries

• Advanced manufacturing
• Chemical and process industries
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Information technology

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Manufacturing technician
• Process technician
• Instrumentation technician
• Electrical technician
• CNC machinist
• Healthcare apprentice
• Electrician apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• IT technician
• Utility technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Registered Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🟪 Delta College — Explore Delta

Search manufacturers, chemical and process-industry employers, contractors, healthcare systems, utilities, and public employers directly.

📍 Jackson & South-Central Michigan

Priority Industries

• Advanced manufacturing
• Energy and utilities
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Transportation
• Public-sector employment

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Manufacturing technician
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• CNC machinist
• Electrician apprentice
• Lineworker apprentice
• Utility technician
• Healthcare apprentice
• Automotive technician
• Diesel technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🟪 Jackson College — Explore Jackson College

📍 Traverse City & Northern Lower Michigan

Priority Industries

• Healthcare
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Marine industries
• Aviation
• Automotive
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Hospitality facilities

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Healthcare apprentice
• Electrician apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• Manufacturing technician
• Marine technician
• Aviation technician
• Automotive technician
• Diesel technician
• Facilities technician
• Utility technician

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🟪 Northwestern Michigan College — Explore NMC

📍 Upper Peninsula

The Upper Peninsula's geography and industry mix create different apprenticeship and paid-training opportunities from southern Michigan.

Priority Industries

• Healthcare
• Construction
• Utilities
• Energy
• Mining-related industries
• Forestry and wood products
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Public works

Recommended Occupations to Search

• Healthcare apprentice
• Electrician apprentice
• HVAC apprentice
• Industrial maintenance technician
• Welder
• Heavy-equipment technician
• Diesel technician
• Lineworker apprentice
• Utility technician
• Water/wastewater operator

Direct Local Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Registered Apprenticeship
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🟪 Bay College — Explore Bay College
• 🟪 Gogebic Community College — Explore Gogebic

Ask whether Related Technical Instruction is available:

• Locally
• Online
• In hybrid format
• Through employer-based instruction

📍 Rural Michigan

Do not assume apprenticeship exists only in Michigan's major metropolitan areas.

If you live in a smaller community:

• 🟦 Search Michigan apprenticeship resources.
• 🟦 Search Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder.
• ⬛ Search Apprenticeship.com.
• ⬛ Contact Michigan Works!.
• ⬛ Search Pure Michigan Talent Connect.
• 🟪 Contact the nearest community college.
• 🟨 Ask about CTE and Work-Based Learning.
• 👷 Search union and industry apprenticeship sponsors.
• 🏛️ Search local government.
• 🚰 Search water/wastewater systems.
• ⚡ Search utilities and electric cooperatives.
• 🏥 Search healthcare systems.
• 🏭 Search manufacturers.
• 🌲 Search forestry and wood-products employers.
• 🚚 Search transportation employers.

Expand into neighboring counties when commuting is realistic.

Michigan Regional Search Checklist

For the region where you want to work, check:

• 🟦 Michigan apprenticeship resources
• ⬛ Apprenticeship.com
• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder
• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder
• ⬛ Michigan Works!
• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect
• 🟪 Regional community college
• 🟨 CTE and Work-Based Learning
• 🟧 Pre-apprenticeship
• 👷 Union and apprenticeship sponsors
• 🏛️ State and local government
• 🚧 MDOT
• 🚰 Water/wastewater systems
• ⚡ Utilities
• 🏥 Healthcare employers
• 🏭 Manufacturers
• 🚗 Automotive, EV, battery, and mobility employers
• 🚚 Transportation and logistics employers
• 💻 Technology employers
• 🏢 Employer career sites

How to Search an Occupation Locally

Take an occupation from the regional lists and search several variations.

For example:

• Tool and die apprentice
• Toolmaker apprentice
• Toolroom apprentice
• Die maker apprentice

Or:

• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Industrial maintenance trainee
• Industrial maintenance technician
• Maintenance mechanic
• Machine repair apprentice

Then add:

• Your city
• Your county
• Your region
• Michigan

The same career pathway may appear under several different job titles.

Search the Sponsor, Not Only the Vacancy

Once you identify a Registered Apprenticeship sponsor:

• Visit its website.
• Determine the geographic area it serves.
• Check application periods.
• Review minimum qualifications.
• Identify the Related Technical Instruction provider.
• Ask whether applications are accepted year-round.
• Ask when the next apprentice class begins.

An apprenticeship can be worth tracking even when it is not hiring

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 4A ===

🟩 Beyond Registered Apprenticeship

Registered Apprenticeship should be one of the first places you look for paid career training.

But it is not the only way to earn while learning.

If a Registered Apprenticeship is not available in the occupation or community you want, investigate:

• Employer / unregistered apprenticeship
• On-the-Job Training
• Paid Work-Based Learning
• Co-op / Cooperative Education
• Employer-paid technical training
• Technician trainee programs
• Operator trainee programs
• Maintenance trainee programs
• Skilled-trades development programs
• Employer academies

These can be excellent career pathways.

They simply should not be assumed to provide the same structure or credential as Registered Apprenticeship.

🟩 Employer / Unregistered Apprenticeship

Some Michigan employers may offer paid programs they describe as apprenticeships even when the program is not a Registered Apprenticeship.

An employer apprenticeship may provide:

• Paid employment
• Structured workplace training
• Mentoring
• Technical instruction
• Wage increases
• Industry credentials
• College credit
• Advancement into skilled employment

These features vary.

Before accepting an employer apprenticeship, ask:

• Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
• If so, who registers the program?
• How is training structured?
• Who provides mentoring?
• What is the starting wage?
• How does pay progress?
• Is technical instruction included?
• What credential will I earn?
• Can I earn college credit?
• What position does successful completion lead to?

Unregistered does not automatically mean low quality.

It means you should evaluate the program based on what it actually provides.

🟩 Michigan On-the-Job Training

On-the-Job Training — OJT — can provide another route into paid employment.

Start with:

• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Local Workforce Services
• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Michigan Careers

In a workforce OJT arrangement, an employer hires and trains a worker while the workforce system may help support eligible training costs.

The participant earns wages while learning the job.

OJT is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

Ask:

• Is there a Registered Apprenticeship in this occupation?
• If not, is OJT available?
• Which employers participate?
• Am I eligible?
• What job does the training lead to?
• Could OJT lead into a Registered Apprenticeship?

🟩 Paid Work-Based Learning

Paid Work-Based Learning can provide career experience even when a full apprenticeship is not available.

Depending on the program, Work-Based Learning may involve:

• Paid workplace experience
• Employer-connected education
• Career and Technical Education
• Community-college programs
• Youth workforce programs
• Occupational training

Ask:

• Is this paid?
• Will I be an employee?
• What occupational skills will I learn?
• How long does the experience last?
• Can I earn an industry credential?
• Can I earn college credit?
• Can it lead to permanent employment?
• Can it lead to Registered Apprenticeship?

🟩 Co-op / Cooperative Education

Michigan colleges, schools, and employers may offer cooperative education or other structured employment connected with education.

Ask:

• Which employers participate?
• Are the positions paid?
• Which academic or technical programs participate?
• Can I earn college credit?
• Can co-op lead to permanent employment?
• Does the employer also operate a Registered Apprenticeship?

Co-op is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

🟩 Employer-Paid Training & Trainee Programs

Do not search only for apprentice.

Michigan employers may recruit using titles such as:

• Toolmaker trainee
• CNC machinist trainee
• Manufacturing technician trainee
• Industrial maintenance trainee
• Machine repair trainee
• Mechatronics technician
• Automation technician
• Robotics technician
• EV manufacturing technician
• Battery manufacturing technician
• Process technician
• Automotive technician trainee
• Diesel technician trainee
• Healthcare trainee
• IT trainee
• Utility trainee
• Skilled-trades trainee
• Development program
• Academy

Search through:

• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Michigan Careers
• ⬛ Apprenticeship.com — Search Apprenticeships & Paid Career Pathways
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Workforce Services
• 🏢 Employer career sites
• 🟪 Michigan community colleges

🟩 Manufacturing Earn-and-Learn

Michigan's manufacturing economy makes employer-paid technical training particularly important.

A manufacturer may hire someone as a:

• Production worker
• Machine operator
• CNC trainee
• Maintenance trainee
• Manufacturing technician
• Skilled-trades trainee

and provide advancement into more skilled occupations.

Ask:

• What training is provided?
• Is training paid?
• Is there a formal career ladder?
• Can I move into a skilled trade?
• Does the employer sponsor Registered Apprenticeships?
• Can prior employment count toward apprenticeship selection?
• Does the employer pay for community-college courses?

🟩 Automotive, EV & Battery Training

Automotive and battery employers may recruit through:

• Technician programs
• Manufacturing academies
• Maintenance-development programs
• Production-to-skilled-trades pathways
• Employer-paid college education

Ask:

• Am I hired before training?
• Is training paid?
• Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
• What technical instruction is included?
• Does the employer pay tuition?
• Can I earn college credit?
• What skilled position follows completion?

🟩 Healthcare Earn-and-Learn

Healthcare employers may provide paid training that allows workers to begin employment while preparing for an occupational credential.

Search:

• Medical assistant trainee
• CNA training
• Pharmacy technician trainee
• Sterile processing trainee
• Behavioral health trainee
• Community health worker
• Healthcare career pathway

Ask whether the employer:

• Hires you before training
• Pays you during training
• Pays tuition or certification costs
• Operates a Registered Apprenticeship
• Provides college credit through an education partner

How to Compare Paid Training Opportunities

For any opportunity, determine:

• Is it paid?
• Will I be an employee?
• Is training structured?
• Will I have an experienced mentor?
• Does pay increase as my skills develop?
• Is technical instruction included?
• Can I earn college credit?
• Will I earn an industry credential?
• Is there a permanent-employment pathway?
• Is it a Registered Apprenticeship?

A strong employer-paid training program can be an excellent career pathway even when it is not Registered Apprenticeship.

The important thing is knowing what the program actually provides.

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 4A ===

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 4B ===

💰 Free & Funded Career Training

If you cannot find the apprenticeship you want immediately, do not assume your only alternative is paying substantial tuition for training.

Michigan workforce and education programs may help eligible career seekers obtain occupational training or prepare for paid employment.

Training is not automatically apprenticeship.

The goal is to determine whether training can help you move toward:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• Paid employment
• A skilled occupation
• An industry credential
• Career advancement

💰 Michigan Works! Training Assistance

Start with your local Michigan Works! agency.

• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Local Workforce Services

Ask about:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• WIOA-funded training
• On-the-Job Training
• Paid Work-Based Learning
• Occupational training
• Supportive services
• Employer-connected training

Eligibility and available funding vary.

💰 WIOA Training Assistance

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act — WIOA — can help eligible career seekers obtain employment and training services.

Ask:

• Am I eligible for WIOA assistance?
• Can WIOA support this training?
• Is there a Registered Apprenticeship in this occupation?
• Can apprenticeship-related training costs be supported?
• Is On-the-Job Training available?
• Are supportive services available?
• Is the training provider eligible for workforce funding?

Investigate assistance before assuming you must pay the full cost yourself.

💰 Michigan Reconnect

Michigan Reconnect can help eligible adults pursue qualifying education and skills training.

• 🟪 Michigan Reconnect — Explore Michigan Reconnect

Depending on current eligibility rules, the program may help eligible students pursue:

• An associate degree
• A skills certificate
• Other qualifying community-college education

Ask:

• Am I currently eligible?
• What costs are covered?
• What costs remain?
• Is this program connected with a Registered Apprenticeship?
• Which employers hire from the program?
• Does the college provide Related Technical Instruction for apprentices?

Michigan Reconnect is not itself an apprenticeship.

💰 Community College Guarantee

Michigan students may also encounter state programs designed to increase access to community-college education for recent high-school graduates.

Eligibility and program rules can change.

Career seekers should check current information through Michigan's official education and financial-aid resources and their local community college.

Ask:

• Am I eligible?
• What tuition and fees are covered?
• What expenses remain?
• Can I use this education to prepare for apprenticeship?
• Which employers recruit from the program?
• Does the college work with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors?

💰 Michigan Community College Training

Before paying for private career training, investigate Michigan's community colleges.

• 🟪 Michigan Community College Association — Explore Michigan Community Colleges

Ask about:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• Related Technical Instruction
• Employer-paid education
• Michigan Reconnect
• Current state tuition-assistance programs
• WIOA
• Financial aid
• Short-term credentials
• Technical certificates
• College credit
• Paid Work-Based Learning
• Co-op
• Employer partnerships

💰 Employer-Paid Apprenticeship Education

Michigan's manufacturing employers frequently use community colleges and other training providers for skilled-trades education.

Before enrolling independently, ask the employer or sponsor:

• Do you pay for Related Technical Instruction?
• Which college do your apprentices attend?
• Is tuition paid directly?
• Are books included?
• Are tools included?
• Are certification or licensing fees covered?
• Can I earn college credit?
• Do I need to be hired before enrolling?

The answer to the last question is especially important.

For many apprenticeship pathways, you get the apprenticeship job first and the employer then arranges the related education.

💰 Employer Tuition Assistance

Michigan employers may also provide tuition assistance outside Registered Apprenticeship.

Ask:

• Is tuition paid in advance or reimbursed?
• Which programs qualify?
• Is there a grade requirement?
• Is there an employment commitment?
• Can tuition assistance support a technical certificate or degree?
• Could the education lead into an internal apprenticeship?

💰 Free or Grant-Funded Short-Term Training

Michigan Works! agencies, community colleges, workforce boards, employers, and other organizations may periodically offer free or grant-funded training in fields such as:

• Advanced manufacturing
• CNC machining
• Industrial maintenance
• Welding
• Healthcare
• Information technology
• Cybersecurity
• Transportation
• Skilled trades

Before enrolling, ask:

• Is the training completely free?
• Are books, tools, exams, and certifications covered?
• Which employers recruit participants?
• Does the program connect with Registered Apprenticeship?
• What paid job can follow?

🟧 Before Paying for Pre-Apprenticeship

Before paying tuition for pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship-readiness training, ask:

• Is a free program available?
• Is workforce or grant funding available?
• Is there a wage or stipend?
• Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors recognize the program?
• Which employers or unions recruit participants?
• What credential will I earn?
• Does completion provide preferred consideration or advanced standing?
• What paid opportunity follows?

Be cautious about paying substantial tuition solely for the possibility of later applying to an apprenticeship.

🟩 Supportive Services

Eligible workforce or pre-apprenticeship participants may be able to receive assistance addressing barriers to employment or training.

Depending on the program and available funding, assistance may include:

• Transportation
• Child care
• Tools
• Work clothing
• Testing fees
• Training expenses
• Other employment-related needs

Ask Michigan Works! or the program provider what assistance is currently available.

💰 Compare Training Before You Pay

Before paying for career training, compare:

Registered Apprenticeship — paid employment plus structured training.

Employer-Paid Training — the employer pays you and provides or pays for training.

Workforce-Funded Training — WIOA or another workforce program may pay qualifying training costs.

Michigan Reconnect-Supported Education — eligible adults may receive assistance for qualifying community-college education.

Other State Community College Assistance — eligible students may have additional tuition support depending on current state programs.

Pre-Apprenticeship — may provide free or funded preparation and employer connections.

Self-Paid Training — you pay the cost yourself.

Self-paid training may be appropriate in some situations, but investigate the other options first.

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 4B ===

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 4C ===

Your Michigan Apprenticeship Search Plan

You do not need to search every resource at once.

Use this sequence to build a focused apprenticeship search.

Step 1 — Choose the Career First

Start with two or three occupations you actually want to investigate.

Ask:

• What kind of work interests me?
• Which occupations are strong in my region?
• Do I prefer manufacturing, automotive, construction, healthcare, technology, transportation, utilities, or another type of work?
• How far am I willing to commute?
• What education, credentials, or work experience do I already have?

Then search apprenticeship pathways into those occupations.

Step 2 — Start With Michigan Apprenticeship Resources

• 🟦 Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity — Apprenticeships — Explore Michigan Apprenticeship Resources

Use Michigan's apprenticeship resources to investigate:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• Apprenticeship sponsors
• Employer programs
• Apprenticeship occupations
• Education partners
• Current apprenticeship initiatives

Step 3 — Search Apprenticeship.com

• ⬛ Apprenticeship.com — Search Apprenticeships

Search by:

• Occupation
• Industry
• Michigan
• City
• County
• Region

Use Apprenticeship.com alongside official state and federal resources.

Step 4 — Search Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder

• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder — Search Current Opportunities

Look for current apprentice openings.

If nothing appears, continue searching established sponsors.

Step 5 — Find Sponsors

• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder — Find Michigan Sponsors

A sponsor may operate an established apprenticeship even when there is no current vacancy.

Research:

• Sponsor website
• Occupations
• Participating employers
• Application periods
• Entry requirements
• Geographic area
• Recruiting schedule
• Related Technical Instruction provider

Step 6 — Contact Michigan Works!

• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Local Workforce Services

Ask:

• Which Registered Apprenticeships are recruiting?
• Which sponsors operate in my region?
• Which manufacturers are hiring apprentices or trainees?
• Is WIOA assistance available?
• Is On-the-Job Training available?
• Are supportive services available?
• Are pre-apprenticeship programs available?

Step 7 — Search Pure Michigan Talent Connect

• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Michigan Careers

Do not search only apprentice.

Also try:

• Trainee
• Technician
• Toolmaker trainee
• CNC machinist trainee
• Industrial maintenance trainee
• Machine repair trainee
• Mechatronics technician
• Manufacturing technician
• Automation technician
• Robotics technician
• EV manufacturing technician
• Battery manufacturing technician
• Automotive technician trainee
• Healthcare trainee
• IT trainee
• Diesel technician trainee
• Utility trainee
• Paid training
• Skilled-trades trainee

Step 8 — Contact Your Regional Community College

• 🟪 Michigan Community College Association — Explore Michigan Community Colleges

Ask:

• Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors currently work with this college?
• Which employers are currently hiring apprentices?
• Does the college provide Related Technical Instruction?
• Do I apply to the employer or college first?
• Can apprenticeship earn college credit?
• Can apprenticeship lead toward a certificate or associate degree?
• Is pre-apprenticeship available?
• Are paid Work-Based Learning or co-op opportunities available?
• Is workforce funding available?
• Could Michigan Reconnect or another state program help with related education?

Step 9 — Search Manufacturing Employers Directly

Michigan's manufacturing apprenticeship market is too large to search only through general job boards.

Search:

• Automotive manufacturers
• Automotive suppliers
• Tool-and-die companies
• Machine shops
• Mold makers
• Automation companies
• Robotics companies
• Aerospace suppliers
• Defense manufacturers
• Medical-device manufacturers
• Equipment manufacturers

Use terms such as:

• Tool and die apprentice
• Toolmaker apprentice
• Machinist apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Machine repair apprentice
• Millwright apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Skilled-trades apprentice

Step 10 — Search the Supplier Network

Do not stop with Michigan's largest manufacturers.

A smaller supplier may offer an excellent apprenticeship.

Search:

• Tier 1 suppliers
• Tier 2 suppliers
• Machine shops
• Tool-and-die companies
• Automation integrators
• Robotics integrators
• Equipment manufacturers
• Maintenance contractors

Then visit employer career pages directly.

Step 11 — Search Automotive, EV & Battery Employers

Search:

• Automotive manufacturing apprentice
• EV manufacturing technician
• Battery manufacturing technician
• Manufacturing technician
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Automation technician
• Robotics technician
• Electrical technician
• Quality technician

Ask:

• Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
• Is training paid?
• Does the employer provide technical education?
• Does a community college provide instruction?
• Can I earn college credit?
• What skilled position follows?

Step 12 — Search Construction Sponsors

Search directly for:

• Electrical apprenticeship
• Carpentry apprenticeship
• Plumbing apprenticeship
• Pipefitter apprenticeship
• Sheet-metal apprenticeship
• HVAC apprenticeship
• Operating engineer apprenticeship
• Ironworker apprenticeship
• Laborer apprenticeship
• Boilermaker apprenticeship

Compare:

• Union and joint apprenticeship programs
• Contractor associations
• Individual employers
• Other Registered Apprenticeship sponsors

Step 13 — Search Healthcare Employers

Search:

• Hospitals
• Health systems
• Community health centers
• Long-term-care employers
• Behavioral-health organizations
• Home-health employers

Try:

• Medical assistant apprentice
• Medical assistant trainee
• CNA training
• Pharmacy technician apprentice
• Pharmacy technician trainee
• Healthcare apprentice
• Sterile processing trainee

Step 14 — Search Public Employers

Include:

• State of Michigan
• Cities
• Counties
• Townships
• MDOT
• Transit agencies
• Utilities
• Water/wastewater systems
• Public works
• School districts
• Community colleges

Search both:

apprentice and trainee

Also search:

• Technician
• Operator
• Mechanic
• Maintenance

Step 15 — If Nothing Is Open

Do not stop at the first unsuccessful search.

Identify the sponsor and find out when applications reopen.

Meanwhile, investigate:

• Pre-apprenticeship
• On-the-Job Training
• Paid Work-Based Learning
• Co-op
• Employer-paid training
• Community-college technical education

Then continue checking the apprenticeship programs you want.

Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Apprenticeship

Ask:

• Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
• Who is the sponsor?
• Which employer will employ me?
• What occupation am I being trained for?
• What is the starting wage?
• How does wage progression work?
• How is On-the-Job Learning structured?
• Who will mentor me?
• Who provides Related Technical Instruction?
• Who pays for the instruction?
• How long does the program take?
• Can I earn college credit?
• Can the training lead toward a certificate or degree?
• Do I have to purchase tools?
• Are there fees?
• What employee benefits are included?
• What credential will I receive?
• What happens after completion?

A strong program should be able to explain the pathway clearly.

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 4C ===

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 4D ===

Related Apprenticeship Resource Guides

Use the Apprenticeship.com Resource Guides for additional help understanding, finding, comparing, and preparing for apprenticeship and other earn-and-learn pathways.

• 🟦 Complete Guide to Apprenticeships
• 🟦 How to Find an Apprenticeship
• 🟦 How to Apply for an Apprenticeship
• 🟦 How to Prepare for an Apprenticeship
• 🟦 How to Compare Apprenticeship Programs
• 🟦 How to Evaluate an Apprenticeship
• 🟦 Apprenticeship Pay & Progressive Wages
• 🟪 College & Degree Apprenticeships
• 🟪 College and Apprenticeship — How You Can Do Both
• 🟨 Youth Apprenticeship Guide
• 🟧 Pre-Apprenticeship Guide
• 🟩 Paid Work-Based Learning Guide
• 🟩 On-the-Job Training Guide
• 🟩 Co-op / Cooperative Education Guide
• 🟩 Employer Apprenticeships & Paid Training Programs
• 🟥 Military & Veteran Apprenticeship Guide
• 🟥 Apprenticeships for People With Disabilities
• 🟥 Women in Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Careers
• 🟥 Apprenticeship & Reentry
• 🟥 Apprenticeships for Career Changers
• ⬛ Parents' Guide to Apprenticeship
• ⬛ School Counselor's Guide to Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship & Earn-and-Learn Glossary

For definitions of apprenticeship and workforce terminology, see the Apprenticeship & Earn-and-Learn Glossary on the Apprenticeship.com Resource Guides page.

The glossary explains terms such as:

• Registered Apprenticeship
• Employer / unregistered apprenticeship
• Apprenticeship sponsor
• Related Technical Instruction / RTI
• On-the-Job Learning
• On-the-Job Training / OJT
• Work-Based Learning / WBL
• Pre-apprenticeship
• Youth apprenticeship
• Co-op
• Progressive wages
• WIOA
• American Job Center

Michigan Career Areas to Explore

Use Michigan-specific resources together with the Apprenticeship.com career guides.

🏭 Advanced Manufacturing

Search:

• Tool and die maker
• Machinist
• CNC machinist
• Industrial maintenance technician
• Machine repairer
• Millwright
• Mechatronics technician
• Automation technician
• Robotics technician
• Manufacturing technician

🚗 Automotive, EV & Battery

Search:

• Automotive manufacturing technician
• EV manufacturing technician
• Battery manufacturing technician
• Automotive technician
• Industrial maintenance technician
• Mechatronics technician
• Automation technician
• Robotics technician
• Electrical technician
• Quality technician

👷 Construction & Skilled Trades

Search:

• Electrician
• Carpenter
• Plumber
• Pipefitter
• Sheet-metal worker
• HVAC technician
• Operating engineer
• Ironworker
• Laborer
• Boilermaker

🏥 Healthcare

Search:

• Medical assistant
• Nursing apprentice
• CNA apprentice
• Pharmacy technician
• Sterile processing technician
• Behavioral health technician
• Community health worker
• Healthcare apprentice

💻 Information Technology & Cybersecurity

Search:

• IT apprentice
• Cybersecurity apprentice
• Software developer apprentice
• Network technician
• Data analyst apprentice
• Computer-support specialist
• Cloud technician

🚚 Transportation & Logistics

Search:

• Automotive technician
• Diesel technician
• Fleet mechanic
• Heavy-equipment technician
• Commercial driver apprentice
• Logistics technician
• Transportation technician

⚡ Energy & Utilities

Search:

• Lineworker
• Utility technician
• Electrical technician
• Substation technician
• Gas technician
• Instrumentation technician
• Plant operator
• Maintenance technician

🚰 Water & Wastewater

Search:

• Water treatment operator trainee
• Wastewater treatment operator trainee
• Water distribution operator
• Utility technician
• Maintenance technician

Employers Interested in Registered Apprenticeship

This guide is primarily for career seekers, but Michigan employers can use Registered Apprenticeship to develop skilled workers.

Resources:

• 🟦 Michigan Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Employer Apprenticeship Resources
• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov — Employers — Explore Registered Apprenticeship for Employers
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Explore Workforce Resources
• 🟪 Michigan Community College Association — Explore Education Partners

Employers can investigate assistance with:

• Identifying apprenticeable occupations
• Developing apprenticeship standards
• Structuring On-the-Job Learning
• Developing Related Technical Instruction
• Finding community-college RTI partners
• Registering a program
• Recruiting apprentices
• Expanding an existing program
• Connecting apprenticeship with college credentials

Michigan community colleges can be especially useful partners for employers seeking:

• Related Technical Instruction
• Skilled-trades coursework
• Technical laboratories
• Curriculum development
• College credit
• Certificates and degrees
• Workforce training
• Potential apprenticeship candidates

Employers should also investigate current Michigan and federal apprenticeship and workforce funding.

Funding and eligibility change, so verify current information before making financial decisions.

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 4D ===

=== BEGIN MICHIGAN — PART 4E ===

Start Your Michigan Apprenticeship Search

You do not need to know the name of every apprenticeship program in Michigan.

You need to know:

• What career you want to investigate
• Where to search
• Which sponsors operate programs
• Which employers participate
• Which community colleges and training providers are involved
• Which local workforce resources can help
• What questions to ask

Start with Michigan's apprenticeship and workforce resources.

Then use:

• 🟦 Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity — Apprenticeships — Explore Michigan Apprenticeship Resources
• ⬛ Apprenticeship.com — Search Apprenticeships
• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder — Search Current Opportunities
• 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder — Find Sponsors & Partners
• ⬛ Michigan Works! — Find Local Workforce Services
• ⬛ Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Search Michigan Careers
• 🟪 Michigan Community Colleges — Explore Community Colleges
• 🟪 Michigan Reconnect — Explore Education Assistance
• 🟨 Michigan Career and Technical Education — Explore CTE
• 👷 Apprenticeship sponsors and unions
• 🏢 Employer career sites
• 🏛️ State and local government career resources

If the apprenticeship you want is not recruiting today, identify the sponsor and find out when it recruits next.

Many established apprenticeship programs recruit periodically rather than continuously.

A closed application today does not necessarily mean the program will not recruit again.

Michigan Search Priorities

Michigan's economy makes several apprenticeship and paid-training searches especially worthwhile.

Depending on where you live, investigate:

• 🏭 Advanced manufacturing
• 🛠️ Tool and die
• ⚙️ Machining and CNC
• 🤖 Automation, robotics, and mechatronics
• 🚗 Automotive and mobility
• 🔋 EV and battery manufacturing
• 👷 Construction and skilled trades
• 🏥 Healthcare
• 💻 Information technology and cybersecurity
• 🚚 Transportation and logistics
• ⚡ Energy and utilities
• 🚰 Water and wastewater

Do not search only Michigan's largest employers.

The state's industrial economy includes extensive networks of:

• Automotive suppliers
• Tool-and-die companies
• Machine shops
• Mold makers
• Automation companies
• Robotics integrators
• Equipment manufacturers
• Maintenance contractors
• Aerospace suppliers
• Defense manufacturers
• Medical-device manufacturers
• Engineering and technical-service companies

These smaller and midsize employers can be excellent places to find apprenticeship and employer-paid training.

If You Are Interested in Manufacturing

Do not search only manufacturing apprentice.

Search the skilled occupation.

Try:

• Tool and die apprentice
• Toolmaker apprentice
• Die maker apprentice
• Mold maker apprentice
• CNC machinist apprentice
• Machinist apprentice
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Machine repair apprentice
• Millwright apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Automation technician
• Robotics technician

Then search:

• Major manufacturers
• Suppliers
• Machine shops
• Tooling companies
• Automation companies
• Equipment manufacturers

If You Are Interested in Automotive, EV or Battery Careers

Search:

• Automotive manufacturing apprentice
• EV manufacturing technician
• Battery manufacturing technician
• Manufacturing technician
• Industrial maintenance apprentice
• Mechatronics apprentice
• Automation technician
• Robotics technician
• Electrical technician
• Quality technician

Then ask:

• Is this paid employment?
• Is training provided after hiring?
• Is it a Registered Apprenticeship?
• Does the employer pay for technical education?
• Does a community college provide instruction?
• Can I earn college credit?
• What skilled position follows?

If You Are Still in High School

Ask your:

• School counselor
• CTE instructor
• Work-Based Learning coordinator
• Early Middle College contact
• Local employer
• Regional community college
• Michigan Works! agency

Ask specifically:

Which employers currently offer paid youth apprenticeship, apprenticeship-connected Work-Based Learning, or other paid technical career pathways in this region?

Then determine whether the opportunity is:

• A Registered Apprenticeship
• Connected with Registered Apprenticeship
• Pre-apprenticeship
• Another paid Work-Based Learning pathway

If You Need Training First

Investigate:

• 🟧 Pre-apprenticeship
• 🟩 On-the-Job Training
• 🟩 Paid Work-Based Learning
• 🟩 Co-op
• 🟩 Employer-paid training
• 🟪 Community-college technical education
• 💰 WIOA
• 💰 Michigan Reconnect where applicable
• 💰 Current state community-college assistance
• 💰 Other state, federal, employer, union, or workforce-funded training

Do not assume you need to pay substantial tuition before applying to an apprenticeship.

In many Michigan skilled-trades pathways, the employer hires the apprentice first and then pays for or arranges the required technical instruction.

Important Information & Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general educational, career-exploration, and informational purposes.

Apprenticeship programs, employers, sponsors, application periods, eligibility requirements, wages, benefits, training requirements, college-credit arrangements, licensing requirements, funding, and other program details can change.

Always confirm current information directly with the apprenticeship sponsor, employer, community college, training provider, workforce agency, government agency, licensing authority, or other organization responsible for the program before applying, enrolling, paying fees, purchasing tools, changing employment, relocating, or making financial or career decisions.

Registered Apprenticeship Status

The word apprenticeship does not necessarily mean that a program is a Registered Apprenticeship.

Unless a program is specifically identified as a Registered Apprenticeship through an authoritative state or federal source, verify its registration status.

An employer or unregistered apprenticeship may still provide valuable paid training, but its structure, mentoring, wage progression, instruction, credentials, and other features may differ from Registered Apprenticeship.

Youth Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning

Youth apprenticeship, CTE, Early Middle College, and Work-Based Learning opportunities should be evaluated according to the structure of the specific program.

Before participating, determine:

• Whether the student is paid
• Whether the student is an employee
• Whether the employer operates a Registered Apprenticeship
• Whether the pathway itself is registered
• Whether the pathway leads into Registered Apprenticeship
• What occupational skills will be learned
• What credentials can be earned
• Whether college credit is available
• Whether employment can continue after high school

Pre-Apprenticeship

Pre-apprenticeship is not the same as Registered Apprenticeship.

Pre-apprenticeship may be:

• Paid
• Stipend-supported
• Unpaid

Before enrolling, confirm:

• Program cost
• Wages or stipends
• Credentials earned
• Employer or union participation
• Connections with Registered Apprenticeship
• Whether completion provides advanced standing or preferred consideration
• What paid opportunity may follow

Be cautious about paying substantial tuition solely for the opportunity to later apply for an apprenticeship.

Community College Enrollment

A community college may be a critical apprenticeship partner without being the organization that hires apprentices.

Before enrolling in a technical program because you want an apprenticeship, ask:

• Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors use this college?
• Which employers are currently hiring?
• Does the employer require applicants to enroll before hiring?
• Or does the employer hire first and then send apprentices to the college?
• Does the college provide Related Technical Instruction?
• Can apprenticeship training earn college credit?
• Who pays tuition?

This can prevent you from paying for education that an apprenticeship employer might otherwise provide.

Program Availability

A program, sponsor, employer, community college, union, training provider, or organization appearing in this guide does not mean that it is currently accepting applications or hiring apprentices.

Recruiting periods and available positions change.

Being listed does not guarantee:

• Current availability
• Eligibility
• Admission
• Selection
• Employment
• Funding
• College credit
• Licensing eligibility
• Successful completion

Contact the responsible organization for current requirements.

Interstate Apprenticeship

Michigan residents near state borders may find apprenticeship opportunities in:

• Ohio
• Indiana
• Wisconsin

Southeast Michigan residents may also encounter employment connected with the international Detroit-Windsor economy, but U.S.-Canada employment involves immigration, work-authorization, credential, and regulatory issues beyond ordinary interstate apprenticeship.

Before accepting an out-of-state apprenticeship, verify:

• Where the apprenticeship is registered
• Where the paid employment occurs
• Where Related Technical Instruction occurs
• Whether occupational licensing is required
• Whether apprenticeship hours or credentials will be recognized in Michigan
• Whether additional Michigan requirements apply

Do not assume apprenticeship requirements or occupational licenses transfer automatically across state lines.

Funding & Financial Assistance

WIOA, Michigan Reconnect, other state education programs, financial aid, employer tuition support, grants, supportive services, and veterans benefits have separate eligibility requirements.

A program's eligibility for funding does not guarantee that an individual will qualify.

Confirm:

• Current eligibility
• Covered expenses
• Remaining costs
• Application deadlines
• Whether funding must be approved before training begins

Occupational Licensing

Some Michigan occupations require state or local licenses, certifications, examinations, supervised experience, or other credentials.

Registered Apprenticeship completion does not automatically guarantee every occupational license.

Verify licensing requirements separately with the appropriate licensing authority.

External Links

This guide includes links to government agencies, colleges, training organizations, employers, apprenticeship sponsors, workforce organizations, nonprofit organizations, unions, and other third-party resources.

Links are provided for informational and research purposes.

Apprenticeship.com does not control third-party websites and is not responsible for their content, accuracy, availability, security, privacy practices, application processes, program changes, or services.

A link or listing does not necessarily constitute an endorsement, recommendation, partnership, sponsorship, or guarantee by Apprenticeship.com.

External websites may change or remove pages without notice.

If you find a broken or outdated link, please report it so the resource can be reviewed.

No Legal, Financial, or Professional Advice

Nothing in this guide constitutes legal, financial, tax, educational, licensing, employment, immigration, or other professional advice.

Laws, licensing requirements, employment requirements, apprenticeship standards, immigration requirements, and individual circumstances vary.

For advice concerning your specific circumstances, consult the appropriate qualified professional, government agency, apprenticeship sponsor, employer, community college, licensing authority, workforce organization, or other responsible organization.

Verify Before You Decide

Before making an important career, education, employment, or financial decision:

• Verify the information with the organization responsible for the program.
• Confirm that applications are currently being accepted.
• Confirm wages, benefits, costs, and training requirements.
• Confirm whether the apprenticeship is registered.
• Confirm the status of youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, CTE, Early Middle College, or Work-Based Learning.
• Confirm occupational licensing requirements when applicable.
• Confirm any college-credit or credential claims.
• Confirm whether out-of-state apprenticeship training will be recognized when applicable.
• Confirm eligibility for WIOA, Michigan Reconnect, financial aid, supportive services, or veterans benefits.

Programs, links, funding, licensing requirements, and other information can change after the verification date.

=== END MICHIGAN — PART 4E / END OF MICHIGAN GUIDE ===