Dear Friend,

We are building up our infrastructure in Michigan, from our roads and bridges to our pipes and high-speed internet. To help us get the job done, I signed an executive directive that will help train 5,000 new infrastructure workers. Thanks to our partners in the Biden-Harris administration, we have already received more than $10 billion to build up our infrastructure and there are billions more headed our way for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and so much more.

Infrastructure Workforce Executive Directive   

Last week’s executive directive will help train 5,000 new infrastructure workers who will each earn an industry-recognized certificate or credential, or receive on-the-job training.

By May 1, 2025, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will establish a statewide strategy to meet infrastructure workforce development goals. This can include creating clear pathways for target occupations, skillsets, and priority populations. The plan sets a goal to train 5,000 infrastructure workers by January 1, 2030.

We will keep working to develop the statewide strategy to meet infrastructure workforce development goals. For more information on infrastructure workforce efforts, individuals can visit Michigan.gov/InfrastructureWorkforce. 

Michigan’s Statewide Workforce Plan 

In March, I released the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan. The plan, unanimously approved by the Michigan Workforce Development Board, marks the first time the State of Michigan has laid out a formal vision to create jobs, support workers, and boost employers. It is yet another example of how Michigan is leading the way in workforce development.

The Workforce Plan lays out a comprehensive roadmap of strategies and actions necessary to build on our success and ensure every Michigander has the skills, opportunities, and support they need to make it in Michigan.

Michigan serves more workforce participants than any other state in the Midwest. Michigan’s workforce system is:

• #1 in credential attainment for adults
• #2 in helping adults get employed and
• #6 in the nation for registered apprenticeships

Construction Career Day Visit

There are many high-skill, in-demand union jobs in Michigan that will help you provide for yourself and your family without a college degree. On Construction Career Day, I visited the Operating Engineers Local Training and Education Center in Howell, Michigan. We need Michiganders to enter construction careers. These skills are essential to maintaining our state's infrastructure and laying the foundation for a bright future. Together, we will continue growing these hands-on, practical programs throughout Michigan.

Let’s keep working together to create good-paying, high-skill jobs for Michiganders.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor