Originally uploaded March 28th, re-edited April 16th.
Jeffrey Mosher welcomed back LEO Director Susan Corbin with Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Recently , The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) joined local business and community leaders in Lansing to discuss how Gov. Whitmer’s proposed FY26 budget will strengthen job training.
Can you speak to expand apprenticeships and removed barriers to employment?
Can you share more about the roundtable's highlights?
[the direct impact these investments will have on Michigan workers and employers—including $19 million for Registered Apprenticeships, $40.4 million to support students with disabilities and $7.5 million to help workers overcome employment barriers.]
Please share about Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Workforce Plan?
[ a strategy to fuel economic growth and create more opportunities for job seekers across the state.]
If there's any more, discuss how these workforce initiatives align with the state’s broader strategy to building a stronger middle class and help businesses grow?
What would the real impact of these programs in action be?
State officials and Lansing area leaders discuss how Gov. Whitmer’s proposed FY26 budget will strengthen job training, apprenticeship programs and employment services.
LANSING, 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 Thursday at Capital Area Michigan Works!, 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.