Capitol News

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has announced a new initiative that will allow individuals who complete building trades Registered Apprenticeship programs to receive college credit for their training. The initiative is a partnership between LEO, skilled trades unions, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), and the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA).

The program, called the College Credit for Apprenticeship initiative, aims to make it possible for apprentices to apply credits earned through hands-on training toward an associate degree or technical certificate. This is expected to help apprentices continue their education, improve career prospects, and potentially increase their earnings. The initiative expands on existing local agreements and seeks to make these opportunities available to trades workers throughout Michigan.

“Registered Apprenticeships are a powerful way for Michigan workers to earn while they learn, gaining real-world skills and credentials,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Now, with the College Credit for Apprenticeship initiative, apprentices can also earn college credit for their on-the-job training, opening doors to degrees and certifications that strengthen careers, support employers and continue building a skilled, adaptable workforce across Michigan.”

The initiative was developed with input from the Michigan Workforce Development Board, which includes representatives from business, labor, workforce, and education sectors. The board provides guidance on workforce strategy and supports the Statewide Workforce Plan, which incorporates Governor Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal to have 60% of working-age adults in Michigan hold a skill certificate or college degree by 2030.

"Awarding academic credit for Registered Apprenticeship students makes it more affordable and attainable for them to achieve a college degree or certificate, and ultimately, a well-paying career,” said Michigan Workforce Development Board Chair Jeff Donofrio. “This is another step on the right path to establishing more seamless connections between work experience and higher education - a path that will boost opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds."

As part of the initiative, the American Council on Education (ACE) will conduct third-party evaluations of apprenticeship curricula at no cost to unions or community colleges, ensuring that apprentices receive appropriate college credit while maintaining curriculum integrity.

“Granting college credit for apprenticeships is a major win for Michigan’s skilled trades. It expands career options and allows our trades workers to continue building skills over the course of their lifetime” said President of Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council Steve Claywell.

Michigan currently ranks fourth in the nation for apprenticeships, with over 24,000 active apprentices enrolled in more than 800 programs. The new initiative will allow both current apprentices and those who have completed apprenticeships in the past to pursue further credentials without having to repeat training.

"Michigan’s community colleges are proud to partner in this initiative, which recognizes the value of hands-on, industry-driven training,” said MCCA President Brandy Johnson. “By awarding college credit for apprenticeship experience, we’re creating clear pathways for apprentices to further their education, gain additional skills, and advance their careers to build a stronger workforce and support local employers."

Registered apprenticeships combine paid, hands-on experience with classroom instruction, resulting in a nationally recognized credential upon completion. Recognizing this training with college credit is expected to create more opportunities for workers to advance their skills and careers.

 “MiLEAP is proud to work alongside our state partners to ensure every learner in Michigan has a clear pathway to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, MiLEAP director. “By strengthening our agreements with community colleges to recognize apprenticeship experience as college-level learning, we’re opening more doors for Michiganders to earn credentials, step into high-demand, good-paying jobs, and help move our state closer to reaching the governor’s Sixty by 30 goal.”

“This collaboration truly recognizes the incredible quality of Michigan’s building trades programs and the students who complete them,” said LEO Deputy Director of Labor Sean Egan. “Apprentices already learn through some of the most advanced, hands-on training in the country and the project ensures recognition toward college credit. It’s about valuing their skills, expanding opportunity and ensuring a pathway through the trades can lead to lifelong learning and a great career. This is a win for workers, for education and for Michigan’s future workforce.”

Those interested in Registered Apprenticeships can find more information at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.