Discover how Michigan employers tackle workforce hardship with living wages, flexible schedules, and emergency savings to boost retention and engagement.
Continue readingMichigan’s Workforce on the Edge and the Employer Strategies That Work
Manufacturing’s New Problem: Entry-Level Jobs for Gen Z Workers are Going Away
Remember when a weekend shift or entry-level gig got you into manufacturing? That ladder’s breaking. AI isn’t just nibbling at white-collar internships—it’s devouring the grunt-work jobs many plants rely on. As someone who’s seen hiring seasons come and go, I’m calling it: employers and Gen Z need a new playbook.
AI is automating routine roles—from first-year clerks to warehouse packers—creating fewer chances to gain experience. As the NY Post warns, “traditional entry-level jobs … are either disappearing or transforming beyond recognition.” Even Fortune recently described it as a breaking point: AI is “breaking” entry-level jobs that Gen Z workers need to launch careers. That means fewer openings for those stepping in at the ground floor—even in manufacturing, where entry gigs once ruled.
Factories and assembly lines historically fed young workers with real-world learning. But automated warehouses, cobots, and forklifts driven by AI are pushing humans out. Websites like Indeed already show thousands of listings for AI-driven roles—shift supervisors to robotics project managers—but few frontline operator positions. It’s a structural shift. We’re not just losing jobs; we’re losing the training paths that prepared people to climb to technical or management roles.
Skimping on early-career jobs means fewer future engineers or supervisors—and Michigan feels this. A Washington Post forum on U.S. manufacturing urged investment in retraining and high-skill immigration. But retraining only matters if there’s a workforce pipeline to build on.
Sure, Gen Z is digitally fluent—76% have used AI tools and more than half use them weekly. That puts them ahead. But AI alone won’t teach leadership, critical thinking, or shop-floor smarts. Experts suggest the future lies in hybrid models: apprenticeship programs that pair humans with AI, creating “AI-assisted apprenticeships and hybrid human-AI teams.” Good plan—but who’s stepping up to fund them?
Manufacturing employers need to rethink their approach now. Resist the urge to eliminate all entry-level jobs. Instead, redesign them. Create roles that teach both AI tools and mechanical basics. Upskill your workforce by investing in online courses or community-college partnerships. Offer “AI + mechanical” training tracks—think automation technicians or digital-twin operators. And build actual ladder paths. Entry-level positions should map to technical and supervisory roles, not dead ends. Michigan and other regions invested in reshoring should consider this strategic.
Lastly, partner with schools. Encourage vocational programs to include AI in automotive, food-processing, and logistics training. These kids already know how to use the tools. Let’s give them a reason to stay in the industry.
AI isn’t the enemy—it’s the spark. But if we don’t rebuild training ladders, we risk a two-tiered workforce: a few AI-literate engineers and a lost middle class. For manufacturers, the challenge and opportunity lie in redefining entry-level roles, investing in hybrid apprenticeships, and planting seeds for future leadership. Let’s not let tech break the ladder before we’ve built the next one.
Free Money Alert: $16M in State Grants Up for Grabs for Michigan Manufacturers
Going PRO Talent Fund: $16 Million to Power Michigan’s Manufacturing Comeback
Remember when “training” meant a two-minute safety video and someone’s cousin giving you a crash course on the forklift? Those days are as extinct as flip phones—thanks to Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund. In Fiscal Year 2025 Cycle 2, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) just dropped $16 million into the pockets of 297 businesses statewide to level up nearly 8,000 employees through real, industry-recognized training programs.
Why Manufacturing Leaders Should Care
If you’re running a large-scale manufacturing operation, you know your biggest asset isn’t your shiny robots or CNC machines—it’s your people. And right now, there’s never been a better time to tap into state grants that make training almost free. Here’s the skinny:
Scale and Diversity: Of those 297 businesses, 86% are small-to-mid-sized, proving that both Main Street fabricators and big OEM suppliers can play. And training spans a range of sectors—advanced manufacturing, food production, clean energy, even healthcare equipment.
Immediate ROI: Businesses will upskill 4,691 current employees and onboard 3,227 new hires (including 1,788 apprentices!). Workers typically pocket a 7.2% bump in their hourly wage post-training—so happier, more skilled staff and a healthier bottom line, anyone?
Apprenticeship Power: Michigan ranks 4th nationally for active registered apprenticeships, with over 22,000 participants across 850 programs. That’s a ready pipeline of talent who know your tools, processes, and—critically—your culture.
More Than Just Free Money
What separates a flash-in-the-pan grant from a real workforce strategy? Customization and sustainability. Going PRO grants are designed in partnership with local Michigan Works! agencies, so training isn’t a one-size-fits-all slide deck. It’s tailored classroom instruction, on-the-job coaching, or credentials that matter in your shop.
“We connect employers to funding that ensures Detroiters can walk the path to success,” says Dana Williams of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. The payoff? Reduced turnover, higher productivity, and a reputation as an employer that invests in people—critical when every plant manager is competing for the same handful of welders and machinists.
Big Picture: Building Michigan’s Middle Class
Since 2014, Going PRO has trained 225,000 workers and supported 7,400 businesses. But these aren’t just stats—they’re real people getting promoted from grunt work to skilled technician, from unsteady temps to registered apprentices with credentials that travel across industries. Governor Whitmer’s FY 2026 budget even recommends $54.8 million more, signaling that Lansing sees talent pipelines as essential infrastructure. The Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund opened up submissions in March and will remain open until funds are exhausted. Click here to learn more and apply for your business!
Action Steps for Manufacturing Execs
Audit Your Skills Gaps
Partner with your local Michigan Works! Service Center. Identify your biggest choke points—robotics programming? PLC troubleshooting? CNC maintenance?
Map Out Training Paths
Choose programs that align with your growth plans: short-term certificates for quick wins, apprenticeships for deeper skill sets.
Leverage the Grant
Apply for Cycle 3 (watch Michigan.gov/TalentFund for deadlines) and secure up to 75% of training costs covered.
Showcase Success
Promote your investment in people—both internally and externally. It’s a recruiting magnet and a PR win.
At the end of the day, free money is great—unless it just sits in an email inbox. By proactively designing training that matches your production needs, you’ll turn that $16 million into a ramped-up workforce, lower turnover, and a stronger Michigan manufacturing ecosystem.
Automate the Boring: Easily Build No-Code AI Assistants
Let’s face it — HR is filled with repetitive tasks that drain your time and energy. Résumé reviews, handbook questions, data entry, onboarding checklists… the list goes on. What if you could automate those instantly and get back to what matters most?
Continue readingThese High-Paying Michigan Trades Are Desperate for Workers in 2025
May marks Professional Trades Month in Michigan, a timely reminder of the critical role skilled tradespeople play in our economy. From electricians and welders to HVAC technicians and construction managers, these professionals keep the state running smoothly. Michigan projects more than 518,000 skilled trades jobs by 2032, with about 40,600 annual openings. The demand for trained workers continues to rise.
This month is not only about recognizing these contributions but also encouraging Michiganders to explore these high-paying, secure career paths. Thanks to initiatives like Michigan Reconnect, adults across the state can now access tuition-free programs to get trained in these essential fields.
The Most In-Demand Trades for 2025
Labor market trends show that skilled trades careers are not only stable but also lucrative. Here are the top trades in demand across Michigan and the United States:
Electricians
Electricians are essential as Michigan upgrades its power grid and expands renewable energy. Demand is rising due to electric vehicles, smart homes, and infrastructure modernization. Salaries often range from $60,000 to $90,000, with experienced professionals earning more.
HVAC Technicians
Heating and cooling systems are evolving. Technicians are needed to install and maintain advanced and energy-efficient units. Salaries typically fall between $50,000 and $75,000, and specialists in green technology can earn even more.
Plumbers and Pipefitters
As infrastructure ages and construction booms, these trades remain vital. Skilled plumbers and pipefitters can earn $55,000 to $85,000, with top professionals making closer to $95,000.
Welders
Welders play a role in almost every sector, from construction to aerospace. Salaries generally range from $50,000 to $70,000, with opportunities for higher pay in specialized areas.
Construction Managers
These professionals are key to keeping projects on track. Salaries start around $70,000 and can climb to $115,000 or more, especially on larger or more complex projects.
Heavy Equipment Operators
As Michigan invests in infrastructure, operators of machinery like bulldozers and cranes are needed. These workers earn between $55,000 and $80,000, with top earners approaching $100,000.
Solar Installers
Clean energy is reshaping the trades landscape. Solar panel installers earn about $69,000 on average, and demand is growing quickly.
Michigan Reconnect: Your Path to a Skilled Trade
For adults 25 and older without a college degree, Michigan Reconnect offers an incredible opportunity to access free tuition for associate degrees and skills certificates. Training is available in many of the high-demand fields listed above.
Programs in areas like Electrical Technology, HVAC Systems, Plumbing, Welding, and Construction Management prepare students for stable, high-paying roles in Michigan’s economy.
By lowering financial barriers, Michigan Reconnect helps individuals pursue new careers and fill critical workforce gaps across the state.
A Future Built on Trades
The skilled trades offer more than a paycheck. They provide career growth, stability, and the satisfaction of building and maintaining the foundations of everyday life. As technology continues to evolve, many of these careers are becoming even more advanced, incorporating digital tools and sustainable practices.
Whether you are a recent graduate or an adult ready for a career change, the skilled trades offer a promising path forward. Professional Trades Month is the perfect time to consider the possibilities.
Visit Michigan Reconnect to learn how you can get started and Michigan Talent Connect to find immediate job openings.
Celebrate Professional Trades Month by taking action. The future of Michigan’s economy depends on skilled hands and determined minds.
ICE Is Watching: How Michigan’s New 2025 E-Verify Laws Could Spell Disaster for Noncompliant Employers
As immigration enforcement intensifies nationwide, Michigan employers are facing a major compliance reckoning in 2025—especially those who rely on contingent labor. But here’s the good news: if you’re partnered with a staffing agency like WSI, you’re already ahead of the game.
At WSI, we’ve been fully E-Verify compliant for over a decade. That means our clients—across manufacturing, light industrial, logistics, and more—have long been protected from the risks associated with hiring ineligible workers. But for those who haven’t taken E-Verify seriously, the stakes just got much higher.
What’s Changed in 2025?
Recent headlines have sent shockwaves through the business community:
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ICE and IRS Are Now Sharing Data: As of April 2025, a federal agreement allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement to access IRS records to locate undocumented workers directly at their workplaces.
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Michigan House Bill 4061: New legislation requires all public employers—and any contractors they hire—to use E-Verify. The bill proposes stiff fines (up to $1,000 per violation) and contract bans for those who don’t comply.
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Zero Tolerance Enforcement: Across the U.S., ICE is using AI, facial recognition, and cross-agency data to target employers who fail to vet their workforce properly.
These changes mark a shift from occasional audits to full-scale enforcement campaigns—with staffing agencies, manufacturers, and labor-intensive businesses squarely in the crosshairs.
What This Means for Michigan Employers
If your business hires directly or works with a staffing partner that doesn’t use E-Verify, you’re exposed:
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Three-Day Audits: ICE can show up with just 72 hours’ notice, and if your records aren’t airtight, even minor clerical errors can escalate.
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Digital Forensics: Regulators are looking for time-stamped documentation and complete onboarding trails. Paper forms and “good faith efforts” are no longer enough.
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Brand Risk: Public ICE actions can damage your reputation with customers, investors, and potential hires—especially if your name is tied to illegal employment practices.
Why WSI Clients Are Already Protected
At WSI, we saw this coming. For years, we’ve built our compliance infrastructure around the following principles:
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100% E-Verify Use Across All Markets
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Fully Digital I-9 Recordkeeping with audit trails, error checks, and expiration alerts
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Rigorous Staff Training on employment verification best practices
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Proactive Risk Management to ensure you’re protected before regulators ever come knocking
Our approach not only shields your business from legal exposure—it helps ensure a reliable, qualified workforce every time you hire.
Final Takeaway
If you’re working with WSI, you’re covered. If you’re hiring elsewhere—or doing it yourself—it’s time to re-evaluate your process. The risks in 2025 aren’t theoretical anymore. They’re here, they’re digital, and they’re escalating.
Let’s talk. We’ll show you exactly how our compliance-first approach can keep your workforce strong, legal, and audit-ready—no matter how the law evolves.
Gen X’s Secret Blueprint to Break Free from Full‑Time Work: Phased Retirement
Retirement today no longer means a sudden exit at age 65 with nothing on the calendar except golf. Many Gen Xers and younger Boomers view a hard stop as financially unwise and personally unfulfilling. Phased retirement offers an alternative path: a gradual reduction in work hours that combines continued earnings, ongoing benefits and meaningful engagement. This model provides a gentler transition for employees and helps employers retain critical skills.
Continue readingIt’s Official: WSI Earns This Award for The Tenth Time In a Row
We’re thrilled to share that WSI has been recognized once again as one of the Best & Brightest Companies to Work For – both in West Michigan and nationwide – for the 10th year in a row.
This recognition isn’t just about longevity. It’s about consistency, leadership, and the meaningful ways we invest in our people and our culture. Each year, the Best and Brightest program identifies organizations that go above and beyond in their employment practices, employee engagement, and commitment to community.
To be considered, companies are evaluated on key factors like:
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Leadership, Strategy & Performance
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Community Initiatives & Corporate Responsibility
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Recruitment & Talent Development
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Work-Life Blend & Employee Well-Being
This year, WSI achieved a 95% response rate on the employee engagement survey—a clear sign that our people are not just present, but actively invested in shaping who we are.
But what truly sets this recognition apart is its depth. The evaluation includes detailed benchmarking, comparative reports, and insight-sharing opportunities that allow companies to keep learning and growing. For us, it’s a validation of everything we believe in: strong teams, shared values, and meaningful work.
At WSI, our mission has always been to connect great people with great companies. This award reminds us that how we do that – through trust, care, and excellence – matters just as much as the results.
Here’s to 10 years of recognition, and many more of impact.
WSI’s Involvement in AI Makes the News
Last week, WSI had an exciting opportunity to share our involvement in the ever-evolving AI landscape with Kirk Mason, the morning anchor at WWMT Newschannel 3. As AI continues to shape industries and redefine workflows, we were thrilled to showcase how WSI is not only embracing this technology but also actively dispelling common misconceptions about its impact on jobs.
Continue reading“That’s What The Money Is For!” – Except it’s not.
Paychecks matter, but true employee appreciation goes beyond money. This Employee Appreciation Day, show your team they’re valued every day.
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