Employers honored for exemplary use Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Education

Oct 24

Written By Staff

From left to right: Scott Jedele, Administrative Manager, Apprenticeship Expansion with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity; Tom McGovern, Maintenance Manager, Royal Technologies; Joel Elsenbroek, apprenticeship project manager at West Michigan Works!
Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!

More than 50 educators, business leaders, apprentices, and workforce development professionals gathered at the Kent ISD Conference Center on October 24 for Race 2 Talent™, hosted by West Michigan Works! in partnership with Registered Apprenticeship Michigan and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).

The event celebrated the growing momentum behind Pre-Apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), a model that continues to have a critical role in Michigan’s workforce strategy. Two local employers were honored as Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship Champions for their exemplary use of RAPs and commitment to expanding access. Fox Motors was recognized for its innovative approach to developing talent in the automotive sector. Royal Technologies was awarded for its scalable and inclusive RAP pathways in advanced manufacturing.

“Registered Apprenticeships provide clear, supported career pathways for individuals while helping employers cultivate talent that’s ready to meet today’s demands,” said Joel Elsenbroek, apprenticeship project manager at West Michigan Works! and panel moderator. “These programs bridge education and employment, creating opportunities that strengthen both our workforce and the regional economy.”

Last year alone, the state saw 20,600 active registered apprentices, the highest in recorded history. According to the Registered Apprenticeships in Michigan – 2025 Report, 8,400 new apprentices were added in 2024, reflecting growing employer confidence in the earn-and-learn model.

“We are thrilled to partner with Michigan Works!, Fox Motors and Royal Technologies to expand real work experiences for students at Kent Career Tech Center. So far, 20 students from the Tech Center’s Automotive Technology and Mechatronics programs have successfully taken part in the Pre-Apprenticeship program, gaining high-tech skills, experience, and work hours to apply to a full apprenticeship and advance their career path,” said Sue Gardner, Assistant Superintendent of Career and Talent Development, Kent ISD. “We’ll continue to share these experience with more students and help them make meaningful career connections.”

The Race to Talent event program featured a panel discussion with speakers representing key partners in the Pre-Apprenticeships pilot: Gregg Isenhoff, work-based learning coordinator, Kent ISD; Scott Thatcher, Technician Training Center Manager, Fox Motors; Tom McGovern, Maintenance Manager, Royal Technologies; as well as Ben Singleton, Fox Motors Apprentice, and Arien Kamble, Royal Technologies Apprentice, both recent Pre-Apprenticeship Program completers through Kent Career Tech Center who earned the Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate (MARC).

“After having successfully piloted a new Pre-Apprenticeship Program, with Fox Motors and Royal Technologies we are ready to expand this high-quality training program in manufacturing, and into other industries, to connect more individuals and employers to the opportunities Registered Apprenticeship Programs provide,” shared Elsenbroek.

Panelists explored how apprenticeships help bridge talent gaps, the impact of collaboration between training providers and employers, and how readiness programs, such as MARC, help young job seekers enter high-demand career pathways. Kamble and Singleton also spoke to the power of real-world experience as they begin their career journeys, joining a growing cohort of younger participants in Michigan’s RAP system. In fact, youth ages 16 to 24 now represent more than 40% of all active apprentices in the state.

“The Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate gave me the confidence and skills to take the next step in my career,” said Arien Kamble. “Being part of this event and seeing the support from employers and educators made me feel like I’m part of something bigger, a movement that’s opening doors for those seeking opportunity.”

According to the 2025 Registered Apprenticeship Report, the benefits of apprenticeship extend far beyond the classroom. Among those who completed RAPs in 2022, 94% were employed one year later, earning a median annual wage of $80,720. West Michigan Works! connects employers with the tools, strategies, support, and funding resources needed to launch or scale apprenticeship programs.

“These employers are leading the way in how Michigan businesses can respond to workforce needs with long-term, sustainable solutions,” said Scott Jedele, Administrative Manager, Apprenticeship Expansion with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Their dedication to apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs is transforming lives, helping local businesses thrive, and building a resilient workforce for the future in communities across West Michigan.”

Employers interested in starting or expanding a RAP can visit westmiworks.org/apprenticeships and connect with the West Michigan Works! apprenticeship team via email: apprenticeship@westmiworks.org

West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners