Skills in Sync: Strengthening K-12 and Manufacturing Partnerships

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Office of Employment & Training (LEO-E&T) and Community & Worker Economic Transition Office (LEO-TO) are launching the Skills in Sync pilot program to field-test successful partnerships between K-12 and manufacturing. The initiative provides seed funding to up to three regional partnership networks across the state to support engagement, planning, and startup costs associated with coordinating and managing regional partnerships. The goal is to expand manufacturing partnerships beyond traditional 11th and 12th grade Career and Technical Education (CTE) or advisory board requirements and create deeper alignment with the Michigan Career Development Model while documenting best practices for a future partnership playbook. Eligible applicants include regional partnership networks operating within local manufacturing ecosystems. Proposals must be submitted via email with all required documentation to the MI Auto Workforce Hub at LEO-Mi-Auto-Workforce-Hub@michigan.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, July 10, 2026.