Explore high-wage, in-demand careers during Professional Trades Month

With nearly 518,300 Michigan jobs and approximately 40,600 annual openings in the professional trades projected by the year 2032, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to proclaim May as Professional Trades Month.

The annual observance honors hard-working Michiganders in professional trades while encouraging students and adults to explore education and career opportunities leading to high-wage, in-demand careers.

Businesses across Michigan need highly skilled workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, education, energy, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing, mobility and outdoor recreation.

Many of these high-demand, high-wage careers do not require a four-year degree and have pathways that focus on credentials, certificates, on-the-job training and Registered Apprenticeships. Learn more here.

Michigan Statewide Infrastructure Workforce Plan

Earlier this month, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) released the Michigan Statewide Infrastructure Workforce Plan, a framework for creating and enhancing job opportunities and training programs to meet Michigan’s critical infrastructure needs. 

This strategic plan will help facilitate the training of at least 5,000 new infrastructure workers by Jan. 1, 2030, as required by Executive Directive No. 2024-1 issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year. 

Read the Michigan Statewide Infrastructure Workforce Plan here.

2025 Registered Apprenticeship Report highlights importance of Registered Apprenticeships

Michigan’s Registered Apprenticeship programs go far beyond the traditional paths of carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Today, individuals can build skills in healthcare, information technology, education and even golf course maintenance — all through hands-on training that leads to industry-recognized credentials.

By expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities across a wide range of sectors, Michigan is helping more people turn their passions into professions while building a workforce that’s adaptable, innovative and ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

Read more in the 2025 Registered Apprenticeships in Michigan report. 

Explore resources to help individuals with disabilities

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) provides vocational rehabilitation services for eligible individuals with disabilities that are customized to fit their unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests.

MRS works with individuals to help them make informed choices, prepare for and engage in employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency. 

MRS staff operate out of 35 field offices and each of the Michigan Works! Service Centers.

Find the nearest location at Michigan.gov/MRS.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Your mental health and wellbeing affects how you think, feel and act. With suicide as the leading cause of death in the U.S., it’s more important than ever to prioritize your mental wellbeing.

Just talking about mental health can reduce the stigma and increase awareness of the devastating consequences of unaddressed mental illness.

Explore strategies and resources aimed at helping employees and employers across the state address mental health in the workplace at Michigan.gov/Workplace
MentalHealth.

Providing Priority of Service During Military Appreciation Month and Beyond

Michigan’s success would not be possible without the brave men and women who have chosen to serve in our armed forces, whose service reflects the resilient spirit and patriotism embodied by so many of our citizens. That’s something the all-veteran team at Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) understands.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

VES helps eligible veterans and their spouses find meaningful employment and work to eliminate barriers they may face. If you or a loved one are a veteran who needs help finding a job, go to Michigan.gov/VES to get started.

Join the LEO team!

Come join our team! The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is actively hiring for several positions — these are jobs that support Michiganders!

Current opportunities include a Departmental Specialist, Employment Services Interviewer, Practical Nurse, Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinator, Rehabilitation Counselors and more!

If you’re passionate about supporting our state’s residents and businesses, explore State of Michigan job openings today!

Get in-person support with your job search at Michigan Works!

Whether you’re a first-time job seeker, switching careers, looking to gain new skills to advance in your career, a veteran or a justice-involved individual, Michigan Works! can help you find what you’re looking for — their job is to find you the best job!

Michigan Works! offers a wide range of free support services to help you get a better job with better pay — including career development coaches, help with career exploration, connections to funding for additional education, and computers, printers and high-speed internet!

Schedule an in-person or virtual visit at Michigan.gov/
MichiganWorks.

Virtual & In-person job fairs: approved Work Search activity

Did you know participating in a virtual job fair can serve as an approved work search activity for unemployment benefits claimants?

A schedule of upcoming job fairs is available on the Pure Michigan Talent Connect Career Events Calendar. Among the upcoming events:

State of Michigan Government Job Search 101 
May 21, 10 – 11 a.m.

West Michigan Works! Virtual Job Fair
May 21, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Detroit Career Fair
May 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 22, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 23, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 24, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Capital Area Transportation Authority Job Fair (in-person event)
May 22, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
CATA Training Facility – 1020 Long Blvd, Lansing, MI 48911

Be sure to check MiTalent.org often for the latest job and career events. 

Resources for laid off federal workers

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is highlighting resources to support federal workers who may have been recently laid off. 

Find community resources, services from other state agencies, job search tools and easy access to unemployment services at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp.