Courtesy photo Alcona Health Center employees pose for a photo after receiving the Race to Talent award at November’s Race to Talent event.

ALPENA — Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium invites regional employers to the Alpena APlex on April 30th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an interactive registered apprenticeship Lunch and Learn and Race to Talent celebration.

This event is designed to help local businesses discover how the registered apprenticeship model can help them attract, train, and retain a high-quality workforce.

The event will feature insights from local employers who have successfully launched apprenticeship programs, alongside guidance from Jeremiah Johnston, the Apprenticeship Specialist for Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium. Attendees will learn about the simple steps required to start or enhance their own programs and explore the Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate (MARC) pre-apprenticeship program as a vital talent pipeline.

“Registered Apprenticeship is a proven training model that accelerates worker skills development,” says Jessica Topp, CEO of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium. “It’s an honor to host our region’s employers as they make great strides in strengthening both our workforce and the local economy”.

The highlight of the afternoon will be the Race to Talent Celebration, which will recognize recently completed apprentices and the employers who support them. Registered Apprenticeship continues to be a top solution for workforce challenges in Michigan, with employers realizing an average return on investment of $1.47 for every $1 invested. Furthermore, nearly 90% of graduates remain employed with their sponsor a year after completion.

Registered Apprenticeship opportunities are expanding rapidly in Northeast Michigan across diverse industries, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, and non-traditional fields like professional brewing and graphic design. These programs support the state’s Sixty by 30 initiative, aiming to ensure 60% of Michigan’s working adults have a skill certificate or degree by 2030.

Registration is highly encouraged

About Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium provides skilled-labor solutions and workforce development services across Northeast Michigan. Through the “Race to Talent” initiative, they partner with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs that drive educational attainment and economic opportunity for all.