Training Days

A formal education can’t cover everything, especially as business and manufacturing evolve with technology. Employers increasingly depend on, and invest in, training and preparation programs such as apprenticeships, internships, co-ops, and mentorships to fill their talent pipeline. Whether the programs act as pre-hire test periods, training, or just experience for the trainee, they will continue to shape the workforce.

Employer offerings

Apprenticeship: An industry-driven career pathway where employers develop and prepare their future workforce. Participants obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential. Apprenticeships are common in skilled trades.
Source: apprenticeship.gov

Mentorship: A long-term relationship that focuses on the professional growth and development of the mentee. Mentors serve as sources of wisdom and support. Any company or organization can establish mentorships, and people can find mentors outside of their workplaces.
Source: thebalancecareers.com

Internship: A supervised, structured learning experience for students in a professional setting that allows them to gain experience in their chosen field of study. Some internships are paid, and most are obtained through colleges and require at least some classroom time.
Source: University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Co-op: Paid positions that require students to alternate semesters between full-time work and full-time academic study. Students who participate in such programs like those offered at Kettering University in Flint are often offered full-time jobs upon the completion of a co-op.
Source: University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Apprenticeship spotlight: ISAIC

Detroit’s Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center offers an apprenticeship program where individuals can earn journey cards that lead to full-time positions. The program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. In May, Dearborn’s Carhartt Inc. dedicated 12,000 square feet of space at its location at 5800 Cass Ave. (just south of I-94) in Detroit to ISAIC, as well as $1.8 million for the space’s build-out. The factory is expected to open this spring, and three apparel companies have signed on for production. The center’s manufacturing process will produce garments more efficiently, and reduce waste and shipping needs.

Salaries by Sector

Jobs in Demand

The following jobs are expected to see the highest demand through 2026, based on the number of openings expected per year:

Top 10 Maker Employers in Michigan by Total Employees

Professional trades include jobs in manufacturing, automotive, information technology, health care, construction, and more.

• The median income for professional trades in Michigan is $54,000 per year.
• Michigan’s economy will need to fill 545,000 professional trade careers through 2026.
• There are expected to be 47,000 professional trade job openings each year in Michigan through 2026.

Source: Going Pro In Michigan

Pure Michigan Talent Connect highlights the following apprenticeships available in Michigan: