West Michigan now produces four credentialed graduates per ten openings. Here is what the data means for manufacturers.
Continue readingIs West Michigan Running Out of Qualified Workers? The New Data Says Yes.
Turnover Is Expensive. You Know What’s Cheap? A Bike.
A Bike Changed Everything. Seriously.
For most people, getting to work is an afterthought. You grab your keys, maybe stop for coffee, and show up. For a growing number of workers, though, the gap between having a job and keeping a job comes down to something far simpler — how to get there.
Transportation barriers are one of the most underreported drivers of workforce instability in America. No car. No bus route that works. No money for an Uber at 5 a.m. These are not excuses. They are the daily math that millions of people do before they ever set foot on a job site. And when the numbers do not add up, they call off. And when they call off enough, they lose the job. And the cycle starts over.
At WSI, we see this play out in real time. A reliable associate goes dark. A client calls frustrated. The reason, more often than people expect, traces back to a busted transmission, a cancelled ride, or a bus that does not run that early.
So when our Senior Account Manager Ben Heyn met Upcycle Bikes Executive Director Rick Armbruster at a Resource Fair at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, he did not just shake hands and move on. He saw a solution.
Upcycle Bikes is a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit that takes donated bicycles, refurbishes them, and distributes them free of charge to adults facing financial hardship. The numbers behind their work are striking — 87% of recipients come from households earning less than $35,000 annually, and 83% use that bike as their primary transportation for basic daily needs. In 2025 alone, they placed 1,214 bikes through a network of 44 distribution partners, backed by more than 3,100 volunteer hours.
These are not recreational riders. These are people getting to dialysis appointments, grocery runs, and yes — jobs.
Ben spent the better part of several months building a formal partnership between WSI Grand Rapids and Upcycle Bikes. The result is straightforward and powerful. When a WSI associate misses a shift due to a transportation issue, we now assess the situation and, where it makes sense, offer them a free refurbished bike — complete with a helmet, lights, and a lock.
That is not a perk. That is infrastructure.
National Bike Month 2026 | Grand Rapids, MI
A free bike.
Your job.
Both secured.
Your job.
Both secured.
WSI associates in Grand Rapids facing transportation barriers can now receive a free refurbished bike through our partnership with Upcycle Bikes.
Upcycle Bikes
WSI Talent GR
Every bike includes -- at no cost
Refurbished bicycle
Helmet
Front + rear lights
Bike lock
Talk to your WSI contact
Transportation trouble affecting your shifts? We have a solution.
→
1,214
bikes placed in 2025
83%
rely on bike as primary transport
44
distribution partners
upcyclebikes.org | wsitalent.com
The cost of turnover to employers is well documented. Recruiting, onboarding, lost productivity — it adds up fast. If a bike worth a few hundred dollars keeps a solid worker employed and a client’s line staffed, that math is not complicated.
What Ben built reflects something we believe at WSI — that being a workforce partner means more than filling orders. It means understanding the real barriers people face and doing something about them when you can. Upcycle Bikes is doing extraordinary work in the Grand Rapids community, and we are glad to be part of extending that reach.
Transportation should not be the reason someone loses their shot. Now, for some WSI associates in Grand Rapids, it will not be.
To learn more about Upcycle Bikes, visit upcyclebikes.org
What 60% of Gen Z’s Career Plans Mean for the Future of Manufacturing
Gen Z is turning toward skilled trades for stability, pay, and AI-proof careers—manufacturers must modernize recruiting to win them.
Continue readingMichigan’s Workforce on the Edge and the Employer Strategies That Work
Discover how Michigan employers tackle workforce hardship with living wages, flexible schedules, and emergency savings to boost retention and engagement.
Continue readingManufacturing’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.
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 readingWall Street Journal Recognizes WSI as Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation
At Workforce Strategies Inc. (WSI), we believe that a workplace thrives when its people do. We are honored to be recognized in the Wall Street Journal on February 19, 2025, as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation.
Continue readingStruggling to Find Skilled Workers in Michigan? Here’s How to Fix It:
In Michigan’s manufacturing world, one thing is clear: skilled workers are the lifeblood of the industry. Yet, businesses across the state are struggling to find talent that matches their needs. Enter the Going PRO Talent Fund—a program designed to help employers not just survive, but thrive, by filling these skill gaps with purpose and precision.
The Skills Gap Crisis
Michigan is poised to see over 520,000 jobs in the professional trades by 2030, yet the talent pool isn’t keeping pace. Many businesses are forced to navigate this ever-widening gap, leaving their productivity and innovation in limbo. Employers need workers who can hit the ground running, equipped with industry-recognized credentials and in-demand skills.
And while the hunt for skilled talent can feel like chasing a unicorn, the Going PRO Talent Fund offers a lifeline.
What is the Going PRO Talent Fund?
Since 2014, the Going PRO Talent Fund has been the state’s secret weapon for workforce development. By connecting businesses with funding to train employees, the program addresses both immediate and long-term needs.
For 2025, the program awarded $42.7 million to nearly 700 businesses, impacting over 22,000 workers statewide.
Training includes classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and registered apprenticeship programs—all leading to transferable, industry-recognized credentials. This isn’t just about filling vacancies; it’s about future-proofing your workforce. The program helps employers upskill current employees, reskill workers for new roles, and onboard new hires effectively.
Why Businesses Should Care
Michigan businesses can no longer afford to view workforce development as optional. The reality is simple: without skilled workers, there’s no innovation, no growth, and no competitive edge. The Going PRO Talent Fund is designed to bridge this gap by:
Reducing Costs: With the average training cost per employee at $1,412, this program makes upskilling affordable.
Tailored Solutions: Employers define their training needs and work with local Michigan Works! Agencies to develop strategic plans.
Sustainability: Training leads to industry-recognized credentials, ensuring employees remain valuable long-term assets.
Success Stories Across Michigan
From Detroit manufacturers to small businesses in rural areas, employers are seeing real results. Dana Williams, CEO of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, puts it best:
“The Going PRO Talent Fund transforms opportunities into success stories for both Michigan workers and businesses.”
Take the example of a manufacturing firm struggling to integrate advanced automation systems. With Going PRO funding, they trained their existing workforce, ensuring smooth operations and reducing reliance on external specialists.
How to Apply for 2025 Grants
Want in? You’re not alone. The Going PRO Talent Fund’s next application window opens in Spring 2025, so now’s the time to start preparing.
Here’s how:
•Identify Needs: Work with your team to pinpoint skill gaps and training priorities.
•Partner with Michigan Works!: These agencies help craft training strategies and ensure your application hits all the right notes.
•Submit Your Application: Watch for updates at Michigan.gov/TalentFund and make sure to meet all deadlines.
A Long-Term Vision
The Going PRO Talent Fund isn’t just a short-term fix—it’s an investment in Michigan’s future. By empowering businesses to build their workforce, the program ensures long-term economic growth and stability for all.
In a state where manufacturing drives progress, programs like Going PRO offer hope, strategy, and opportunity. Whether you’re struggling to find skilled workers or simply want to stay ahead, this fund can help you turn workforce challenges into competitive advantages.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make “skilled worker shortage” a phrase of the past.
Michigan’s $325 Million Semiconductor Boost: Implications for Manufacturers
Michigan’s $325M investment in semiconductor manufacturing is set to create jobs, boost supply chains, and position the state as an industry leader.
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