Courtesy photo Alcona Health Center is seen receiving recognition for its apprenticeship program at the Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium Race to Talent event in November. From left, Callan Eschenburg and Stephanie Vomvolakis, with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) State Apprenticeship Expansion Program; Alcona Health Center Apprentice Jarod Goodson; Rachael Techel, with Alcona Health Center; and Apprenticeship Specialist for Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium Jeremiah Johnston.

ALPENA — Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium will host regional employers at the APlex on April 30 for an interactive Registered Apprenticeship Lunch and Learn and Race to Talent celebration.

According to a Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium press release, this event is designed to educate local businesses on the benefits of the agency’s registered apprenticeship model, which can help businesses attract, train, and retain talent.

The event will feature insights from local employers who have successfully launched apprenticeship programs, such as Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating and Alcona Health Center.

Event attendees will learn about the steps required to start or enhance their own programs and explore the Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate (MARC) pre-apprenticeship program as a talent pipeline, the release stated.

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

According to the release, the highlight of the afternoon is the Race to Talent celebration, which recognizes completed apprenticeships and employers who supported those apprentices.

Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium stated that the registered apprenticeship program “continues to be a top solution for workforce challenges in Michigan.”

Employers realize an average return on investment of $1.47 for every $1 invested into the program, according to the agency. Approximately 90% of graduates of the program remain employed with their sponsor for a year after completion.

Jeremiah Johnston, apprenticeship specialist for Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, said that apprenticeships offer opportunities to invest in talent no matter the industry.

“Apprenticeships are an untapped source of building great talent because of their unique ability to combine real-world, paid experience with classroom learning–creating a highly skilled workforce that businesses can train, retain, and grow from within,” Johnston told The News in an email. “Employers don’t realize that they can start apprenticeships in unique industries like education, healthcare, and manufacturing-creating accessible pathways into long term careers.”

Johnston explained that in his role, he guides employers through the apprenticeship process.

“As a Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Specialist, I can help walk employers through the entire process–from program design and registration to implementation and ongoing support–making it simple to build and sustain a successful apprenticeship,” he said.

According to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, registered apprenticeship opportunities are becoming more popular in Northeast Michigan and across 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, which aims to ensure 60% of Michigan’s working adults have a skill certificate or degree by 2030.

The event on April 30 will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to register beforehand.

For more information or to register for the event, contact Johnston at 989-306-8589 or via email at apprenticeship@nemcworks.org.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.