Michigan Workforce and Talent

Michigan's talent stretches from the engineering lab to the factory floor, with nation-leading concentrations of engineers and designers, a top 10 pipeline of STEM graduates and one of the country's largest skilled trades workforces. Regional partners, educational institutions and employers work statewide to build that talent, with industry-led degrees and training in the same environments that companies operate in, so workers can solve problems and move operations forward from day one.

The Power of Michigan's Talent

Michigan’s number one asset is its people – a workforce defined by integrity, grit and a culture of innovation. MEDC and the State of Michigan is proactive and intentional in its workforce development and works with businesses across the state to find and train talent for in-demand occupations that will innovate the future.

What Sets Michigan Apart

Michigan ranks #4 nationally in Site Selection's 2026 Workforce Development Rankings.

Michigan is ranked #1 in the nation for concentration of commercial, electrical and mechanical engineers.

Michigan ranks #1 in the nation for its concentration of commercial and industrial designers.

Michigan’s skilled trades workforce is nearly 250,000-strong, the 8th largest in the nation.

Michigan ranks in the Top 10 for total STEM degree completions in the nation.

Michigan ranks #4 for total manufacturing employment and has the 5th largest engineering services workforce in the nation.

Read About Michigan's Talented Workforce

News

Amped Up: Michigan’s Tech Talent Pipeline

Michigan students from kindergarten through college are honing cutting-edge tech and semiconductor skills with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Washtenaw Community College, Kettering University and Ford.

Press Release

New Investments Support Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative

New investments from the ‘Make it in Michigan’ Competitiveness Fund will support the construction of a new lab facility at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and develop workforce training opportunities in shipbuilding and related maritime manufacturing through the M3 Initiative.

Press Release

Six Michigan communities awarded placemaking grants through Michigan Talent Partnership Program

Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Lansing, and Mt. Pleasant will receive funding for transformational public space projects aimed at attracting talent and creating business ownership opportunities for residents

Press Release

Michigan kicks off 2026 with Top 5 workforce development ranking

Site Selection ranked Michigan No. 4 nationally and second in the East North Central region, citing the depth and breadth of workforce talent and development in the state

Voices

Angel Melendez of Kalitta Air

As an Air Force veteran and program manager for the apprenticeship program at Kalitta Air, Angel Melendez is using his expertise to train the next generation of aviation mechanics

Success Story

Holly Reilly and Roberts Sinto Corporation

Holly Reilly found an opportunity to support her family – and the metalcasting and foundry industry – with help from the MEDC’s Talent Action Team and the EV Jobs Academy.

Michigan Talent and Workforce Resources & Partners

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

LEO works in partnership with MEDC to expand economic opportunity and prosperity for all across Michigan.

Pure Michigan Talent Connect

Pure Michigan Talent Connect is a tool connecting Michigan’s job seekers and employers, and serves as a central hub linking all public and private stakeholders who support Michigan’s workforce.

Michigan Works!

Your local Michigan Works! business services staff is uniquely qualified to help you meet your talent needs. Together, they will work with you to create a workforce solution using a wide variety of services and resources available.

MiSTEM Network

Through 16 regional hubs, the MiSTEM Network is connecting education, business and community partners across the state.

Sixty by 30

Sixty by 30 seeks to build a better Michigan by closing the skills gap and increasing access to the education and skills that create opportunities for better jobs and bigger paychecks.

Going PRO Talent Fund

The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. The short-term training will help you fill your talent needs quickly and easily.

See Our Top Employers

Michigan's comprehensive economic development toolkit and business-friendly climate are just two reasons businesses throughout the state continue to grow and succeed.

Top Employers

Talent Pipeline Data

Michigan's collection of world-class talent is among the top reasons why businesses locate and expand in the state. Employers find that Michigan has one of the most talented, diverse and abundant workforces in the country and has the programs, resources and state-wide support that continues to build talent with in-demand skills that help businesses thrive.

Workforce Data

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Michigan's skilled workforce and diverse talent is highlighted in several episodes of The Michigan Opportunity Podcast. Now in its sixth season, host Ed Clemente has been joined by several guests specializing job growth, workforce development, and talent retention. Click on the episode links to the right and listen to insightful conversations and hear about new, emerging global trends.

Recent Workforce and Talent Episodes:

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Michigan Workforce and Talent

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

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