Building Michigan's Talent Pipeline: Six Success Stories in Workforce Development
Michigan’s workforce strategy puts employers at the center. Through Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) and employer-led collaboratives, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has engaged 1,500+ employers statewide—driving credential attainment, job placement, and talent solutions across key industries that strengthen communities and businesses.
When Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer launched the state’s workforce plan, the goal was clear: expand credential attainment, connect Michiganders to good jobs, and fuel business growth. Central to this effort is TPM and the power of employer-led collaboratives.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has made employer leadership a cornerstone of workforce development. Through strong partner recruitment and authentic employer engagement, Michigan has built more than 60 employer-led collaboratives representing over 1,500 employers—resulting in 5,100+ training participants, 3,100 credentials earned, and 1,800 people placed into jobs. Across sectors from childcare to healthcare to construction, Michigan demonstrates how a statewide, employer-led approach can deliver meaningful results for businesses, workers, and communities.
Success Stories Across Michigan
Learn about how an employer-led collaborative launched pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs to attract, train, and hire new employees. Within just a few years, these programs significantly reduced labor shortages for employer partners.
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Growing the Early Care and Education Workforce: The Edison ECE Career Pathway Initiative
Kalamazoo’s early care and education (ECE) collaborative has built a sustainable strategy to attract new talent and support employees in earning industry-recognized credentials.
Meeting the Urgent Need for Healthcare Professionals: The Thumb Region Employer-Led Collaborative
The Thumb Region Health and Human Services (HHS) Employer-Led Collaborative needed to expand healthcare training and career opportunities. Using the TPM® framework, within just a few years, 59% of participants earned industry-recognized credentials, and 61% secured employment in the medical field.
In Lenawee County, using the Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) approach, auto dealerships determined that they needed to develop prep classes to help entry-level workers become state-certified in mechanical work. Since then, the collaborative has helped dozens of entry-level workers become state-certified technicians.
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Meeting the Talent Demand: Michigan’s Tri-County Construction Collaborative
In Michigan's Tri-County, the construction industry identified a common need: entry-level talent requires the same foundational skills across trades. In addition, workers need advanced training in HVACR, plumbing, and electrical to meet regional demand.
Closing the First Responder Gap: How West Michigan Built a Public Safety Talent Pipeline
In West Michigan, the public safety collaborative decided to restart and support essential training programs to meet their labor gap struggles. Within a few years, most employer partners filled their vacant positions.
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