Sandy K. Baruah President and Chief Executive Officer at Detroit Regional Chamber | Official website
Sandy K. Baruah President and Chief Executive Officer at Detroit Regional Chamber | Official website
The Detroit Regional Chamber, serving as a co-convener of the Michigan Apprentice Network, is working to establish 500 professional apprenticeships over five years. As part of this initiative, the Chamber highlights organizations advancing apprenticeship efforts in the region.
One such organization is the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN), which coordinates nine community colleges and seven Michigan Works! agencies in Southeast Michigan. This collaboration focuses on workforce development by offering targeted training programs, various credentials, and support for both individuals and local businesses seeking apprenticeship opportunities.
WIN supports apprenticeship growth through the Advance Michigan Center for Apprenticeship Innovation (AMCAI). In 2020, WIN received a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand advanced manufacturing apprenticeships in the area. AMCAI assists employers in starting apprenticeship programs, acts as an intermediary sponsor, manages compliance and paperwork requirements, and connects students with registered apprenticeship opportunities.
Additionally, WIN created the Michigan Alliance for Greater Mobility Advancement (MAGMA) to address workforce needs driven by the growth of renewable energy and advanced vehicle technologies. MAGMA offers training to prepare workers for jobs in autonomous, electric, and alternative fuel vehicles.
According to Jessican Keenan, Project Manager for WIN, “Apprenticeships foster an immediate bond of loyalty between employees and employers, creating a foundation of trust and growth from day one. Registered apprenticeships empower employers to shape their future workforce by providing high-quality career pathways aligned with the needs of growing and emerging industries.”
The Detroit Regional Chamber continues to support these initiatives as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline.
For more information about WIN’s apprenticeship programs, interested parties are encouraged to visit WIN’s website.
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