Three Northern Michigan Employers Recognized as Apprenticeship “Champions”

Three northern Michigan employers — Amrize, Besser, and R.S. Scott — were honored April 30 for their leadership in training workers through Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Amrize was recognized for its Electrical Maintenance Registered Apprenticeship Program, Besser for its Millwright Registered Apprenticeship Program, and R.S. Scott for its Civil Engineering Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program. Alcona Health Center’s completed apprentice, Sierra Harrington, was also recognized for successfully completing the organization’s Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program.

The recognition took place at the Alpena APlex following a panel discussion focused on encouraging more area businesses to grow their own talent through apprenticeship programs. The event was part of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) “Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship Michigan” initiative and was hosted locally by Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.

“It was an honor to host some incredible people in our region who are making great strides in the apprenticeship world,” said Jessica Topp, CEO of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium. “Our Apprenticeship Specialist, Jeremiah Johnston, has worked hard to help register new apprenticeship programs that strengthen both our workforce and local employers.”

Panelists included representatives from Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating, Alcona Health Center, Iosco RESA, the Center for Competency Development, and the Michigan Manufacturers Association, who shared their experiences developing successful apprenticeship programs and the positive impact those programs have on employee retention and workforce skill development. Attendees learned how Registered Apprenticeship programs create opportunities for employers, educators, and workforce partners to collaborate in building skilled talent pipelines.

Whitney Dittmar of Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency also presented information on the Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate (MARC), a free pre-apprenticeship program designed to help prepare future apprentices and support employer apprenticeship programs.

Registered Apprenticeship opportunities continue to grow across industries such as construction, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and information technology, supporting Governor Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 initiative to ensure 60% of Michigan’s working-age adults earn a degree or skill certificate by 2030.

To learn more, visit Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship or contact Jeremiah Johnston, Apprenticeship Specialist with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, at 989-306-8589 or apprenticeship@nemcworks.org.