The state also ranks No. 4 in the nation, No. 1 in the Midwest in total workers added to the workforce, with over 124,000 workers added in the last six months.
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This data indicates a reversing trend from previous decades. From 2005 to 2018, Michigan’s workforce was one of the five states with the largest decline in workforce participation.
“2023 has been a historic year for our state and we are thrilled to see that our efforts to build on Michigan’s economic competitiveness are already paying off,†said Governor Whitmer.
“This year, we have continued to strengthen our state’s workforce and economy by investing in talent and community revitalization, producing thousands of new jobs in key industries and ensuring entrepreneurs and businesses have the tools they need to succeed.â€
In January, the governor and Michigan Legislature made record investments in housing and community revitalization projects, signing a bill that provides $150 million in Housing and Community Development Funds, $100 million in Revitalization and Placemaking Grants, $75 million in SmartZones, and additional support for apprenticeship expansion.
The signing marked the earliest a bill had been signed in a new term since 1947.
The state leaders also unveiled ‘Make it in Michigan’ this summer, a comprehensive economic strategy to keep winning projects that bring manufacturing and supply chains home, invest in people so they can pursue their potential from pre-K through postsecondary, and revitalize places in every region of the state to make them more attractive places to live, work, and invest.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Michigan’s workforce system is currently No. 1 in the nation for helping those who have lost their job get re-employed.
In 2022, LEO’s Office of Employment and Training (E&T) served nearly 37,000 individuals with disabilities in their efforts to remove barriers and obtain or maintain employment.
Michigan is also top 10 in the nation for registered apprenticeships, with over 16,500 current active registered apprentices across the state.
This new recognition also comes on the heels of another great achievement, as the state announced its lowest unemployment rate in 23 years earlier this summer. ■