What Michigan’s New Apprenticeship-to-Degree Program Does

Michigan is rolling out a new program that lets registered apprentices convert on-the-job training into college credits, bringing an associate degree within reach for thousands of skilled tradespeople. The College Credit for Apprenticeships Program, launched by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, now includes 11 trade unions—from ironworkers to carpenters—and 28 community colleges that have agreed on how to award academic credit for apprenticeship work.

The state says some participants will need only one additional semester of classroom study to finish an associate degree, because many apprenticeships already cover material that aligns with college curricula. For a degree typically requiring at least 60 credits, some programs provide most or all of the necessary credits. The effort targets a stubborn problem: more than 1.2 million Michigan adults have college credits but no degree, and roughly 38,000 stop out each year without a credential.

Jessica Brousseau, chief of staff for the department, framed the program as a way to honor the rigor of apprenticeship training while giving working adults a clear on-ramp to higher education. “We’re really trying to help folks see that you can do both,” she said. “Beyond just a good job and getting paid on day one, we want to make it so that when folks are done, they’re close to an associate degree.” With median earnings for associate degree holders at about $54,000 versus $33,100 for those with only a high school diploma, the economic incentive is clear.

How the Initiative Reshapes Pathways for Workers, Unions, and Colleges

Why Michigan’s Move Matters for Working Adults

For many skilled workers, the barrier to a degree is not starting college but finishing. Michigan’s initiative directly addresses that by crediting learning that has already occurred on the job. This reduces the time and cost needed to earn a credential, which matters because a degree can unlock higher lifetime earnings and career flexibility. The state’s data shows a substantial earnings gap between high-school-only and associate-degree holders, giving the program a strong economic rationale.

The Role of Unions and Community Colleges

Unions are crucial partners because they design and deliver the apprenticeships. The 11 unions already on board—including the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers—have agreed to curriculum reviews that map their training to college credit. On the other side, 28 community colleges have created transparent processes for awarding that credit, removing guesswork for apprentices. This dual buy-in turns policy intent into a practical pathway.

How This Compares to National Workforce Trends

Michigan is not alone in trying to blend apprenticeships with higher education. Howard Community College in Maryland already allows apprentices to earn up to 27 credits toward an associate degree, and Metropolitan State University of Denver has partnered on a social work apprenticeship program that expands the model into a licensed profession. Michigan’s approach stands out for its scale—covering multiple trades and a large network of colleges—and its explicit goal of making the pathway so short that a single additional semester can lead to a degree. The state sees this as a way to build on a national movement to recognize prior learning, but it remains to be seen whether marketing campaigns will actually drive participation among busy workers.

What Apprentices, Unions, and Colleges Should Do Next

For apprentices: Find out whether your registered apprenticeship program is already part of the initiative. If it is, talk to your union training coordinator or your local community college’s advising office to see exactly how many credits you could receive and what remaining courses you would need. Even if your trade is not yet listed, the state says more programs are undergoing curriculum evaluation, so check back regularly.

For unions and employers: Work with community college partners to complete the curriculum evaluations that determine credit eligibility. Promote the program during apprenticeship orientations and union meetings, because awareness is the single biggest factor in uptake. Michigan has invested in signing events and marketing, but peer-to-peer endorsement inside the trades will likely carry more weight.

For community colleges: Make the credit-awarding process as frictionless as possible. Publicly list which apprenticeship programs are recognised and how credits apply to specific degree requirements. Consider dedicated advisors who speak the language of the trades, so apprentices feel they belong on campus.

For policymakers in other states: Michigan’s early model suggests that bringing together labor, higher education, and workforce agencies early—and investing in awareness from day one—can speed adoption. The state’s next priority is expanding the program to four-year institutions, meaning an apprenticeship could eventually count toward a bachelor’s degree. Watching how Michigan handles that transition will offer lessons for any jurisdiction trying to link blue-collar training with white-collar credentials.