In 2023, an idea from a project manager, paired with the enthusiasm of a new staff member eager to innovate, sparked the creation of Career Pathways. Backed by the WIN One Workforce Industry Infinity grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, these pathways were designed to help individuals take practical steps into high-demand fields through short-term training, stackable credentials, and clear career options.
The pathways focused on Cybersecurity, Transportation, and Advanced Manufacturing, areas where opportunities are growing quickly. Built on labor market data, they provide job seekers with more than statistics—they offer direction, confidence, and a tangible plan for the future. For career counselors, educators, and workforce planners, the pathways have become invaluable resources that bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.
Fourteen pathways have been published since 2024, covering roles as varied as Cargo and Freight Agents to Detectives and Criminal Investigators. But the work didn’t stop there. In 2025, as the Industry Infinity team looked back at the curriculum and the people it serves, they identified more occupations where clear pathways could make a difference in someone’s career journey. 
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
With over 4,500 annual job openings, this role offers stability and growth for individuals starting out or looking to upskill. Certifications open doors, while many employers welcome candidates with a high school diploma or GED.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
For those who enjoy solving problems with both technology and hands-on skills, this field offers hundreds of openings each year. Certifications like Six Sigma or a CDL can boost employability, while some employers seek candidates with an Associate Degree.
Cybersecurity continues to grow, with roles expected to expand 17% by 2030. Earning potential is strong—over $100,000 annually—and certifications like CompTIA Security+ help individuals break into this high-demand career.
With a median salary of more than $117,000, this career offers both reward and challenge. Many employers seek bachelor’s degrees, but certification options like Cisco and CompTIA provide multiple on-ramps to success.
At the heart of Career Pathways is a simple goal: to give people clear, achievable routes to good jobs. Whether it’s a veteran leveraging their experience, a recent graduate exploring options, or a worker ready to make a change, these pathways are designed to guide the journey. By connecting training to real opportunities, WIN and its partners are helping individuals not just find work—but build careers that matter.
By Haley Porter, WIN Associate Project Manager and Research Analyst
About the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN)
The Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan (WIN) is a collaborative partnership of nine community colleges and seven Michigan Works! Agencies. WIN’s mission is to help cultivate a cohesive talent system by facilitating data-driven workforce solutions that respond to the region’s changing labor market demands. Its work is guided by three core pillars—Research, Engagement, and Solutions; Together they drive collaboration and connect education with industry.
Through initiatives like the One Workforce Industry Infinity, WIN helps employers and educators expand access to short-term training and build a sustainable, skilled workforce for Southeast Michigan. For more information, visit winintelligence.org and miautomobility.org.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA). The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of DOL/ETA. DOL/ETA makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
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