Growing Advanced Manufacturing Economy Creates Opportunities for Young Michiganders

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan is home to over 600,000 manufacturing workers employed by more than 12,000 companies, offering high-paying, successful career opportunities. As Michigan celebrates National Manufacturing Week from Oct. 4-11, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is highlighting the growing number of good-paying jobs created through clean energy and advanced manufacturing projects across the state. These efforts are ensuring Michigan’s workforce does not have to leave the state to find life-sustaining, high-wage careers.

“Michigan’s manufacturing leadership is powered by more than 600,000 workers who are helping us build the stuff that moves America forward,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “From cars and trucks to batteries, chips, and clean energy, we are continuing our proud automotive leadership and moving into the future of advanced manufacturing too. We will continue creating paths for more people to land these good-paying, family-sustaining manufacturing jobs so they can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Let’s keep working together to bring manufacturing jobs and supply chains home, deliver on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families, and build a brighter future for Michigan.”

Michigan's focus on exposing individuals of all ages to manufacturing careers is essential for retaining talent in the state. Through Manufacturing Week, students and career seekers are introduced to opportunities in advanced manufacturing, helping to eliminate outdated myths about the industry. By highlighting fulfilling careers, Michigan is ensuring that talent stays within the state, contributing to both economic growth and community sustainability.

“Michigan’s manufacturing jobs offer people the chance to build successful, high-paying careers right here at home,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin (left). “We’re making it clear that you do not need to leave Michigan to find good jobs. Through the Statewide Workforce Plan and initiatives like the EV Workforce Hub, we’re providing workers with the skills they need to thrive in advanced industries. It’s about keeping talent in the state and ensuring our communities benefit from the current and next generation of innovators.”

Through major state and federal investments in industries such as electric vehicles (EV) and clean energy, Michigan is creating thousands of new, high-paying jobs. The 2024 Clean Jobs America Report shows Michigan is home to 127,690 clean energy jobs, outpacing 44 other states’ job numbers. According to the World Resource Institute, by the year 2040, the state could create 41,000 new jobs as it advances electric vehicle manufacturing and builds out renewable energy, like solar and wind. On average, manufacturing employees in Michigan earn $92,439 annually.

"Michigan's manufacturing sector is driving the future of our state, offering innovative, rewarding, highly paid careers in communities large and small across the Great Lakes State," said Mike Johnston, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Workforce Development for the Michigan Manufacturers Association. "We encourage young people looking for a cutting-edge, hands-on opportunity to shape the future to join us in forging a path where creativity meets prosperity."

Michigan's commitment to workforce development is critical in keeping talent in the state. LEO’s 2023 Employment and Training Annual Report shows the state ranks #2 in the nation for helping individuals secure employment and Michigan’s workforce development programs served nearly 265,000 people last year with over 161,000 securing employment. These jobs are providing pathways to rewarding careers that don’t require incurring student debt. Programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund, EV Workforce Hub, Registered Apprenticeships and the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office are supporting workers and businesses as the state grows its advanced manufacturing economy.

“The advanced manufacturing jobs available today are high-wage and high-demand,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training (left). “Our workforce training programs are designed to equip people with the skills they need to enter these industries and thrive. By working closely with manufacturers, we’re paving the way for a highly skilled workforce that’s ready for the future.”

Manufacturing Week is part of LEO’s broader All-Access Michigan approach, aimed at removing barriers and providing opportunities for businesses and workers alike.

To learn more about Michigan’s manufacturing workforce programs and initiatives, visit www.michigan.gov/LEO.

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