Capitol News

Michigan has received an $8 million federal grant to help train workers for shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing jobs, according to an announcement from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). The funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund, aims to address workforce needs in welding, marine electrical, manufacturing, and other skilled trades related to the shipbuilding sector.

Governor Whitmer highlighted the state’s connection to the Great Lakes and its history in manufacturing. "Michigan's maritime strength comes from the mighty Great Lakes we share our coastlines with," said Governor Whitmer. "As a state with a proud legacy in automotive and defense manufacturing, our waters have supported Michigan's future as a maritime manufacturing hub. This funding will help us build on this legacy by supporting shipbuilding employers find success while training local workers to fill in-demand, family-sustaining jobs. Together, let's keep helping the next generation of manufacturing workers 'Make it' in Michigan."

The grant will support the launch of the Michigan Industry-Driven Skills Training Program, which will expand on the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative—a $50 million partnership between state and federal agencies focused on developing a workforce for defense manufacturing.

“In addition to expanding the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative, this funding allows us to invest in additional training programs in other key shipbuilding areas and train up to 720 new and existing people to build ships right here in Michigan,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “To further those efforts, we’re also investing an additional $3.6 million from the Make It In Michigan Competitiveness Fund to ensure we’re fully capitalizing on this opportunity to support Michigan workers and grow our state’s economy.”

The initiative will be guided by an employer-led collaborative, bringing together maritime manufacturers, training providers, and other partners to identify workforce needs and design appropriate training. The group will also focus on connecting laid-off manufacturing workers with opportunities in shipbuilding, using their existing skills and providing specialized training as needed.

Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, said: “The Michigan Industry-Driven Skills Training Program will help more Michiganders earn a skills certificate or degree, grow the middle class by removing barriers to education and employment, and support businesses by developing a pool of right-skilled talent to meet their needs.”

The program plans to prioritize accelerated training models such as Registered Apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities. It will also incorporate artificial intelligence-based platforms for skills development. Funds will be awarded to employers for both newly hired and existing workers in industries vital to national competitiveness. Currently, about 300 shipbuilding suppliers operate across Michigan.

Further information about Michigan’s workforce programs can be found at Michigan.gov/LEO.