As 2024 comes to a close, the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN) and its Board of Directors reflect on a year filled with impactful events, innovative programs, and collaborative achievements that have shaped workforce development across Southeast Michigan.

Since 2011, WIN has secured over $294 million in grant funding to drive workforce innovation across Southeast Michigan. By engaging 550 employers in apprenticeship programs, WIN has fostered partnerships and developed solutions to address workforce development challenges. Additionally, with 707 regional research studies and data pulls in 2024, WIN continues to provide actionable, real-time labor market intelligence, empowering employers and job seekers to make informed decisions.

Recognition for Registered Apprenticeships

The WIN Advance Michigan Center for Apprenticeship Innovation (AMCAI) and Health Careers Alliance (HCA) have been instrumental in modernizing, expanding, and diversifying registered apprenticeships through the U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Closing the Skills Gap and Apprenticeship Building America initiatives. As part of this work, WIN was recognized by the USDOL as a member of its Apprenticeship Ambassador program. This year, the WIN Board of Directors and its affiliates hosted over 60 regional events to promote apprenticeships, including workshops, career fairs, and networking sessions, aligning with National and Youth Apprenticeship Weeks.

With 36 active employers operating Registered Apprenticeship Programs and 136 apprentices currently registered across 40 distinct occupations, the WIN Apprenticeship Intermediary Program fosters skill-building and career advancement opportunities. Since 2018, the program has served 281 apprentices and engaged 70 companies, making a significant impact on workforce development across the region.

Programs like EHM Senior Solutions’ new Registered LPN Apprenticeship Program exemplify the impact of these efforts, addressing critical nursing shortages while creating meaningful career pathways. Similarly, Henry Ford Health received USDOL approval for its Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program, which culminates in an associate degree and certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), with an optional certification in Sterile Processing.

In the advanced manufacturing sector, the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Program in partnership with Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor Spark, WIN, and Toyota Motor North America R&D established Michigan's first FAME chapter. The Mitten Chapter includes initial sponsoring employers such as Orbitform, Lomar, Novi Precision Products, Caster Concepts, and C&B. This collaboration is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled manufacturing technicians. Read the Full FAME Story.

These program offers hands-on experience and compensation while addressing a critical workforce need in both healthcare and advanced manufacturing industries. Made possible by collaborative efforts between the WIN Board of Directors; Justin Al-Igoe (Macomb St. Clair Michigan Works!), Michael Balsamo (Macomb Community College), Dr. Patricia Chatman (Henry Ford College), Shamar Herron (Michigan Works! Southeast), Barry Kinsey (Monroe County Community College), Jody Kerbyson (GST Michigan Works!), Jennifer Llewellyn (Oakland County Michigan Works!), Robert Matthews (Mott Community College), Dr. Brandon Tucker (Washtenaw Community College), Greg Pitoniak (Southeast Michigan Community Alliance), Joseph L. Petrosky (Oakland Community College), Heather Ruttkofsky and Jamie Vandenburgh (Jackson College), Carrie Rosingana (Capital Area Michigan Works!), Dana Williams (Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation), Glenda Wapegan-Magarrell (Wayne County Community College District), and Amy Jones (Schoolcraft College).

WIN is pleased to welcome back Dr. Michelle Merusi as the Washtenaw Community College (WCC) representative on the board. Dr. Merusi previously served on the inaugural WIN Board from 2011 to 2019 before Dr. Brandon Tucker assumed the seat. After five years of exemplary service as a member of the WIN Board of Directors and Finance Committee, Dr. Tucker stepped down in November 2024. In his place, WCC President Dr. Rose Bellanca has appointed Dr. Merusi.

A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tucker for his outstanding contributions, particularly his leadership of the Finance Committee, which has left WIN in a strong financial position. Additionally, WIN would like to recognize and thank our 2024 co-chairs, Dr. Patricia Chatman of Henry Ford College and Greg Pitoniak of SEMCA Michigan Works!, for their exceptional leadership throughout the year.

When reflecting on the impact of WIN, board members highlighted transformative results across the region. Thousands of workers have been trained through programs such as Registered Apprenticeships, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing initiatives. These efforts have expanded educational opportunities within the community college network, enhanced workforce development services, and supported skills-pipeline initiatives in partnership with large employers and educational institutions.

Key outcomes include the development of new apprenticeship opportunities, strengthened career counseling at high schools, community colleges, and universities, and the integration of workplace readiness standards into middle and high school curricula. Lifelong learning accounts have been established to promote continuous skill development, while grant funding has consistently supported staffing and program implementation. The flexible opt-in/opt-out structure of WIN’s grant programs ensures regional workforce activities align with local needs, maximizing the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Short-Term Training Success

Oakland Community College and Oakland County Michigan Works! continue to demonstrate the power of workforce-aligned education. Success stories like Daija Davis, who transitioned from short-term training in the Computer Support Technician (CST) program to a career in robotics, underscore the importance of programs designed with direct industry input. Breia Roberts, a young mother from Pontiac, transitioned from customer service to a Deburr Tech at Williams International after completing the OCC five-week CNC Machine Operator training program. Learn how Breia Landed her Dream Job in Three Months.

Career Pathways

The WIN One Workforce Industry Infinity team developed 12 career pathways tailored to specific high-demand occupations, emphasizing short-term training credentials in Cybersecurity, Transportation, and Advanced Manufacturing. These pathways serve as valuable resources for workforce planning, career counseling, and program development. View the Career Pathways.

Tech Talent Tomorrow Summit

The WIN Data and Research team prepared the Regional Industry IT Skill Needs Assessment and presented the findings which offer critical insights into IT workforce trends, skill gaps, and recommendations for future strategies. On October 8, 2024, Macomb Community College and WIN hosted the Tech Talent Tomorrow Summit, bringing together industry leaders, educators, and workforce professionals to discuss the future of IT talent in the region. View the Report.

Exploring AI in Workforce Development

Kevin Cranick, WIN Senior Economics Research Analyst, was interviewed by Will Glover of Detroit PBS as part of the AI & Work & You collection. This series is a feature of Detroit PBS’s ongoing coverage on the Future of Work, which includes Detroit PBS's One Detroit, Michigan Learning Channel, and Tech Jobs Explained. The series includes videos, teacher resources, and discussion guides about artificial intelligence's role in classrooms and future careers. View the Series.

The WIN Communications Committee hosted a dynamic session focused on AI’s transformative role in workforce systems and employment practices. Speakers included Lucas Levine with FutureFit AI, sharing how AI connects job seekers with employers and streamlines workforce operations, along with the WIN Data and Research team, who introduced key AI tools and workforce insights based on findings from Goldman Sachs. The discussion examined the risks and opportunities of AI, providing actionable strategies to leverage AI’s potential for innovation and collaboration in workforce development. View the Recording.

Hydrogen Workforce Development Initiative

WIN also played a key role in advancing clean energy initiatives. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded funding to a coalition led by the University of Toledo to develop workforce training and certification programs supporting the hydrogen economy in northern Ohio and southern Michigan. This initiative aims to:

• Identify workforce needs and address training gaps for technicians, skilled tradesmen, scientists, and engineers.
• Design and implement programs that equip workers with the skills to safely build and maintain hydrogen infrastructure.

A unique component of this project is the Social Network Analysis (SNA) survey, inviting organizations to map connections within the regional hydrogen economy. This collaborative effort will guide workforce planning and foster stronger industry relationships. To be included in the hydrogen ecosystem map, set for publication in 2025, participants are encouraged to complete the SNA survey. Click here to take the Hydrogen Survey.

Labor Market Reports

WIN released 23 labor market reports showcasing real-time job posting data across 11 occupation groups in Southeast Michigan. View the labor market reports, including the 2023 annual reports, at winintelligence.org/lmr. Annual 2023 highlights include:

• Job Postings: A significant decline in new job postings in 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting slowed economic growth and lower unemployment.
• Unemployment Rate: Reached a decade-low of 3.8% for the WIN region and 4.0% for Michigan in 2023.
• Labor Force Growth: Michigan’s labor force hit a record 4.97 million, with 4.77 million employed.
• Educational Demands: Demand for Bachelor’s degrees rose by 1.5% in late 2023.
• Age Demographics: Populations aged 25 and under and 54+ are nearing parity, hinting at a growing older demographic.

Michigan Alliance for Greater Mobility Advancement

WIN extends strong recognition to the Michigan Alliance for Greater Mobility Advancement (MAGMA) Governing Board for their collaborative efforts in developing workforce strategies for clean energy. MAGMA enhances representation by including small businesses and provider networks, proactively attracting funding to support workforce upskilling initiatives, establishing resources and outreach materials for K-12 hands-on experiences to sustain the talent pipeline, and updating its course catalog to align training programs with employer needs.

 MAGMA hosted four thought-provoking information sessions:

• Regulatory Affairs in the Automotive Industry + Driving EV Tech & Talent: Explored the evolving regulatory landscape for the automotive industry, focusing on electric vehicle (EV) compliance.
• Clean Energy & EV Education Roundtable: Discussed training and workforce readiness in the clean energy and EV sectors.
• Tech Trends & Labor Market Insights: Experts shared insights on emerging tech trends and labor market shifts, focusing on lithium-ion battery industry workforce needs.
• Discovering the Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium (MDRC): Highlighted energy storage and battery manufacturing for the Department of Defense’s transition to EVs, with a $4.9 million DoD grant.

Looking Ahead

Kristi Ayers, WIN Workforce Program Manager, has been selected to participate in the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) 2025 Leadership Academy. This prestigious program brings together workforce development professionals from across the country to enhance leadership skills and tackle pressing challenges in the field. Ayers will join a cohort of leaders dedicated to driving innovation, strengthening organizational impact, and fostering economic growth through workforce development initiatives. This accomplishment underscores WIN's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in serving the needs of employers, job seekers, and communities across the region.

This year has solidified WIN's role as a catalyst for workforce innovation and collaboration across industries. From fostering IT talent to supporting clean energy initiatives and promoting apprenticeships, WIN remains committed to building a strong, future-ready workforce. The WIN team includes Dr. Dayoung An, Alysha Albrecht, Kristi Ayers, Amanda Bauerschmidt, Jim Babin (former Regional Apprenticeship Administrator), Deborah Bayer, Kevin Cranick, Michele Economou Ureste, Janene Erne (former Regional Apprenticeship Administrator), Laurie Huber, Dr. Jan Karazim, Jess Keenan, Haley Porter, and Katie Webber.

We extend heartfelt thanks to all the WIN Board of Directors, partners, supporters, and participants who made these accomplishments possible. Let’s continue working together in 2025 to address emerging challenges, seize new opportunities, and empower the workforce of tomorrow!