Apprenticeships Are the Future and 榴莲视频 Is Leading the Way
In a labor market facing rapid technological change, skills gaps, and growing inequities, apprenticeships are more than a workforce solution, they are a lifeline. As we recognize National Apprenticeship Day, it鈥檚 the perfect moment to spotlight the life-changing potential of registered apprenticeships and the power of programs that prepare people not only to work, but to thrive.
At 榴莲视频, we have long understood that jobs alone aren鈥檛 enough. Since 1981, we鈥檝e been investing in workforce development programs designed to open doors for underrepresented talent. But in 2015, our impact grew even stronger when we were awarded a five-year, $3 million grant through the American Apprenticeship Initiative. That grant allowed us to formally deepen our efforts, resulting in one of our longest-standing apprenticeship partnerships with the Great Lakes Water Authority.
Today, we continue to champion apprenticeships in a major way. As one of the original American Apprenticeship Ambassadors, 榴莲视频 remains committed to expanding registered apprenticeships that uplift individuals, strengthen employers, and build community wealth.
In Michigan, registered apprenticeships offer a dynamic 鈥渆arn-and-learn鈥� model that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, enabling participants to develop valuable skills while earning a living wage. These programs are industry-driven, meet U.S. Department of Labor standards, and lead to nationally recognized credentials. They provide more than just technical skills. They also provide dignity, direction, and a pathway to sustainable, high-wage careers.
At 榴莲视频, we help expand access to these opportunities in three primary ways: as an Apprenticeship Sponsor, an Apprenticeship Intermediary, and a Pre-Apprenticeship training provider.
As an employer, we run two registered apprenticeship programs ourselves: the Workforce Development Specialist program and the Early Childhood Educator program. Administered by our Workforce Development and Early Learning divisions respectively, these programs allow us to lead by example by demonstrating firsthand how apprenticeships can serve as effective talent development pipelines. When we speak to employers about why this model works, they trust us 鈥� because we practice what we preach.
As a federally recognized Apprenticeship Intermediary in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor鈥檚 Office of Apprenticeship, 榴莲视频 plays a critical role in expanding apprenticeship opportunities nationwide. We conduct outreach to employers, labor organizations, and education providers, helping launch and scale new programs. We also offer technical support and help apprenticeship sponsors improve their recruitment, hiring, and retention strategies to ensure programs remain equitable and effective.
Finally, as a Pre-Apprenticeship provider, we build bridges. Our training equips participants with the foundational skills, industry knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in full registered apprenticeship programs. We are proud to be among the select few providers chosen by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to pilot the Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate (MARC), which sets the bar for high-quality pre-apprenticeship programming in the state.
Our approach is holistic. Beyond the hands-on training, we offer support services to help participants overcome barriers like transportation, childcare, and financial hardship, because we know a good program means nothing if people can鈥檛 access or complete it. That鈥檚 why our efforts have earned local, state, and national recognition.
As we look ahead, we know that Michigan needs more bold, forward-thinking solutions to workforce development. Apprenticeships are a proven strategy to close skills gaps, diversify industries, and ensure economic mobility for generations to come.
At 榴莲视频, we are proud to be part of this movement not just today, but every day.