Genesee Business and Community Leaders Highlight Gov. Whitmer’s Commitment to Employment and Training

State officials and Genesee County leaders discuss how Gov. Whitmer’s proposed FY26 budget will strengthen job training, apprenticeship programs and employment services.

FLINT, Mich.— The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) joined local community members, business leaders and stakeholders to discuss Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s FY26 budget recommendations. The roundtable event, which was held Wednesday at Genesee Career Institute in Flint, focused on Registered Apprenticeships, Pre-Employment Transition Services and Barrier Removal and Employment Success – all programs aligned with the goals of Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Workforce Plan to expand career opportunities, strengthen Michigan’s workforce, and support employers.  

“Successful businesses and good-paying jobs strengthen our families and local communities,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Governor Whitmer and LEO are investing in employment and training to equip workers with in-demand skills and businesses with the talent they need to thrive, creating more opportunities for Michiganders and a stronger economy.”  

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently released her seventh executive budget recommendation that will lower costs, power economic development, and build a brighter future to ensure any person or business can “Make It” in Michigan. The proposed budget includes $19 million to expand access to Registered Apprenticeships, $40.4 million (including a $8.4 million general fund investment to secure $32 million in matching federal funds) for Pre-Employment Transition Support and other vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities, and $7.5 million to remove barriers to work.  

"The stories shared by our local partners and employers highlight the real impact of these investments," said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. "Governor Whitmer’s budget recommendations will strengthen workforce development efforts across the state, expanding access to training, Registered Apprenticeships and employment services that empower Michiganders to secure good-paying jobs and build successful careers."  

Michigan provides employment services to more participants than any other state in the Midwest, is ranked #3 in the nation for helping adults get employed and is #4 in the nation for the number of active Registered Apprentices. LEO’s Employment and Training programs are building a stronger Michigan by connecting job seekers to careers and helping businesses grow with the skilled talent they need. Through innovative programs, partnerships and targeted support services, LEO empowers individuals to gain in-demand skills while breaking down barriers to employment. These efforts fuel economic opportunity, ensuring Michigan’s workforce is ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow.  

“We deeply value the partnerships that enhance transition services for our students across the county,” said Steven Polega, Assistance Superintendent of Special Education with the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD). “In particular, the priorities set forth by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by both employers and students. By aligning support structures with the specific needs of employers, we ensure our students develop the skills necessary to meet workforce demands and successfully transition into meaningful employment opportunities.” 

"Through coordination of services and strong partnerships with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and local businesses, Genesee Intermediate School District and our local districts are working to transform opportunities for students with disabilities, preparing them for employment and post-secondary success,” said Samantha Woodbeck, Transition Coordinator with GISD. “Together, we are unlocking potential, breaking barriers, and building a brighter future for all."  

Employment and training initiatives highlighted in Gov. Whitmer’s budget recommendations include:  

• $19 Million to Expand Access to Registered Apprenticeships: This funding will strengthen Michigan’s talent pool and ensure students and job seekers “earn while they learn”, gain in-demand skills, and provide employers with the talent they need to grow their businesses. This funding will also expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in traditional and non-traditional industries while offering training, wages and credentials to employees. Michigan currently has more than 850 active programs and over 22,000 active Registered Apprentices, ranking the state #4 nationally. One year after successfully completing their training program, Registered Apprentices in Michigan have median annual earnings of over $80,700, and 94% are retained in employment.  

• $40.4 million for Pre-Employment Transition Support and other Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Students with Disabilities: This investment will provide concentrated academic remediation, specialized tutoring and enrollment into career and technical training or college, with the goal of assisting individuals with disabilities on a pathway to in-demand jobs. The $8.4 million general fund investment will allow the state to provide the required match to access federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) funding. Michigan’s Pre-Employment Transition Services for Students with Disabilities are provided through the state’s VR programs, which includes Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons.  

• $7.5 Million to Remove Barriers to Work: This funding is for no- and low-income residents, including those who earn above the poverty level but not enough to adequately sustain a household. These supportive services will address transportation, legal services, childcare, clothing needs, tools for work and other barriers that keep people from participating in the workforce. The Barrier Removal and Employment Success program will serve at least 2,500 unemployed workers and members of the ALICE population across the state who will benefit from the program through the delivery of barrier removal services.  

Registered Apprenticeships, Pre-Employment Transition Services and Barrier Removal and Employment Success are part of LEO’s unique All-Access approach to solving complex workforce problems. This approach improves economic outcomes across the state by addressing structural challenges and removing barriers preventing people and businesses from reaching their full potential.  

To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/allaccess.