Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced an $8 million federal grant to support shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing training. Whitmer said, “Michigan's maritime strength comes from the mighty Great Lakes we share our coastlines with,” according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
The funding will support the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative, a $50 million state-federal partnership focused on workforce development. LEO Director Susan Corbin said, “this funding allows us to invest in additional training programs in other key shipbuilding areas and train up to 720 new and existing people to build ships right here in Michigan,” as reported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Michigan has launched an employer-led program to strengthen its maritime manufacturing workforce. The initiative brings together shipbuilding employers, training providers, and other partners to identify worker skills, provide needed training, and connect laid-off manufacturing employees with new job opportunities. The Michigan Industry-Driven Skills Training Program will support methods such as Registered Apprenticeships, work-based learning, and AI-based training tools. Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, said that funds will go directly to employers to train and retain workers. Michigan has about 300 shipbuilding suppliers that could benefit from the program, as stated by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
