LANSING - Michigan has been awarded a $6.6 million federal grant to help dislocated workers train and secure employment in growing technical industries.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced the funding for the newly created Michigan Rapid Reskill Initiative, which aims to place participants into jobs or Registered Apprenticeship programs within six months.
The grant, provided through the U.S. Department of Labor Rapid Reskill National Dislocated Worker Grant program, targets residents who have lost their jobs or are facing layoffs. The initiative will focus on high-demand careers in three key sectors: advanced manufacturing, construction, and energy. Program organizers designed the project to accelerate reemployment while addressing ongoing workforce shortages among Michigan businesses.
Services will be delivered across the state through local Michigan Works! Agencies and a partnership with the Michigan Workforce Development Institute. The initiative will connect eligible workers with employer-driven training, pre-apprenticeship experiences, work-based learning and industry-recognized credentials.
State officials emphasized the economic potential of apprenticeship pathways for dislocated workers. According to state data, Michigan workers who completed a Registered Apprenticeship program in 2024 and were employed one year later earned a median annual income of $89,260.
Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, highlighted the program’s role in supporting both families and local businesses. “Losing a job shouldn’t mean losing the opportunity to build a secure future,” Corbin said. “Through Michigan’s Rapid Reskill initiative, we’re helping workers build on their experience, gain new skills, and connect with good-paying careers. This investment supports families while helping Michigan employers find the talent they need to grow.”
The program is specifically tailored for workers who cannot return to their previous occupations and require training for new fields. Stephanie Beckhorn, director of the department’s Office of Employment and Training, explained the need for coordinated reemployment services. “Dislocated workers are generally unable to return to their previous roles and need help finding new work or training for a new career – and that’s where Michigan’s Rapid Reskill Initiative comes in,” Beckhorn said. “This project ensures coordinated, statewide access to training, reemployment services and career pathways to help Michiganders secure the good-paying, high-skill jobs Michigan employers need to succeed.”
To align training with real-time labor market demands, state officials plan to work directly with employers to expand work-based learning opportunities and reduce operational barriers for businesses. Krista Johnson, workforce development director at the department, discussed the strategic elements of the program. “The Michigan Rapid Reskill initiative prioritizes employer engagement, workforce intelligence, individualized career planning, short‐term occupational training, work‐based learning and comprehensive supportive services,” Johnson said. “Integrating these components into a unified program ensures our investments are aligned with real‐time employer demand and strengthens Michigan’s long‐term talent pipeline.”
The initiative will also incorporate artificial intelligence tools to streamline service delivery and personalize support for job seekers. AI technology will assist with career navigation, skills assessments, participant matching, and labor market analytics. In addition, select training courses will include foundational AI competencies to prepare participants for modern technology environments across manufacturing, energy, and construction fields.