The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) encouraging organizations who can help provide underrepresented individuals with access to life-changing career pathways through USDOL Registered Apprenticeship to apply for funding from the Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion and Readiness System (MiSTAIRS).

MiSTAIRS aims to significantly expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for English language learners and individuals without a high school diploma or equivalency.

“The Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion and Readiness System ensures readiness for direct enrollment in, and successful completion of, USDOL Registered Apprenticeship programs,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “Since 2021, MiSTAIRS efforts have supported those most severely impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and those least often included in the benefits from USDOL Registered Apprenticeship, including women, people of color and individuals with disabilities.

“These awards will directly support English language learners and those without a high school diploma or its equivalent – providing unprecedented opportunities for more Michiganders to benefit from this proven training model."

LEO anticipates awarding 5-10 grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 to Adult Education partners who can significantly expand USDOL Registered Apprenticeship Program opportunities for English language learners and individuals without a high school diploma or its recognized equivalency. Funding will expand existing and develop new programs, and better prepare 200 job seekers through USDOL Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Leveraging ongoing efforts and programming in the Michigan Adult Education system, MiSTAIRS is designed to provide adult learners with opportunities to gain workforce skills and earn an industry-recognized credential while completing their high school diploma or equivalency. In 2022, more than 30,000 learners enrolled in an adult education program in Michigan.

Successful respondents to this RFP will become responsible for MiSTAIRS implementation and work to establish new or expand existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs and related apprenticeship readiness solutions to ensure performance targets are achieved. This RFP opportunity will lead participants to successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalency, as well as successful enrollment into a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program. The total funding available for this initiative is $960,000.

More information about the Request for Proposals opportunity is available at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

USDOL Registered Apprenticeship results in a national, industry-recognized credential upon completion, supporting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults in the state with a skill certificate or college degree to 60 percent by the year 2030. Learn more at SixtyBy30.org.

For questions regarding MiSTAIRS, contact Workforce Development State Apprenticeship Expansion at LEO-Apprenticeship@michigan.gov.