According to the most recent Clean Jobs Report, job growth in Michigan’s clean vehicle sector surged by an impressive 14.4% in 2022, establishing it as the state’s fastest-growing job sector. As Michigan stands at the forefront of the automotive industry, this transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is a technological evolution and critical economic pivot. At the root of Michigan’s success in the automotive industry is the talented workforce in the state, and it is crucial that sufficient talent pipelines exist to help Michigan’s workforce be a driving force in the transition to alternative clean fuels. Recent announcements at the state and federal levels provide support for Michigan workers to help propel Michigan’s workforce development during this significant industry shift.
Michigan Community and Worker Economic Transition Office
Michigan’s commitment to supporting its workforce through this transition is exemplified by the recent establishment of the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office. This office is designed to proactively address challenges and harness opportunities presented by the shift to EVs. By focusing on reducing risks and amplifying economic benefits for workers, communities, and businesses, this initiative aims to create a smooth and inclusive transition.
The office is tasked with developing strategies to anticipate the workforce’s needs and ensure no community is left behind. The Office will play a crucial role in providing resources and support to those directly impacted by the transition, ensuring that the economic benefits of this industry evolution are felt broadly across Michigan. Most recently, the Office conducted a series of roundtables across the state to discuss how communities can benefit from the transitions in the auto and energy sectors. The key findings and takeaways from the eight community roundtables are summarized in this report.
Governor Whitmer Releases State Workforce Plan
In March, Governor Whitmer unveiled Michigan’s first-ever statewide workforce plan, including a strategy tailored to equip our existing workforce with the skills necessary for the EV era. This comprehensive plan emphasizes reskilling and upskilling Michigan’s workers, ensuring that current auto industry workers can transition seamlessly into roles within the clean mobility sector.
The plan includes a robust framework for obtaining new skills and certifications, and specialized training programs to prepare workers for the nuances of clean mobility technology production and maintenance. This proactive approach ensures that Michigan’s workforce remains competitive and capable of leading in the clean mobility sector. By investing in our workers’ education and training, Michigan is safeguarding jobs and setting a precedent for workforce preparedness that other states can follow. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in the automotive industry while embracing the future of clean transportation.
Michigan Designated as a National EV Workforce Hub
In April, the Biden administration announced a partnership between the Federal Departments of Labor and Energy and the state of Michigan to create an Electric Vehicle Workforce Hub. This announcement comes in a series of workforce hub designations nationwide, identifying opportunities to support workers during unprecedented federal investment in clean technologies. Notably, Michigan was the only state to receive a state-wide designation. This distinction underscores the comprehensive involvement of the entire state in the automotive industry’s transition, highlighting that the impact and opportunities extend well beyond Southeast Michigan.
The Workforce Hub is designed to cultivate a domestic, diversified EV supply chain and retain high-quality, good-paying jobs within the state. By encouraging auto companies to utilize the existing workforce and facilities, the administration seeks to leverage Michigan’s rich automotive heritage in building the future of clean energy transportation.
In the wake of the workforce hub designation, the Biden administration also announced a $100 million investment that supports small and medium-sized automotive suppliers transitioning to the clean mobility market. This federal support is critical in ensuring that Michigan remains a central hub for automotive innovation, and reinforces the state’s ability to adapt and thrive amid the industry’s shift towards a clean fuel economy.
Empowering Michigan’s Future Workforce
Together, these state and federal efforts create a robust framework for Michigan’s workforce development during the transition to clean mobility. By supporting workers through strategic reskilling and leveraging federal investments, Michigan is poised to lead the nation in the next era of automotive innovation.
The auto industry has been the backbone of Michigan’s economy for over a century, and these forward-thinking workforce programs ensure that it will continue to be so in the age of electric vehicles and clean mobility. As we drive towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, Michigan’s workforce stands ready to power this journey, ensuring that our state remains at the heart of the automotive industry.
