Northwest Michigan Works! Celebrates Record-Breaking Apprenticeship Graduation Class

Held at the Blue Bridge Event Center in Traverse City, the graduation celebration brought together apprentices, employers, mentors and workforce partners to recognize the dedication and accomplishments of individuals who have developed valuable skills through hands-on training and related classroom instruction.

The event also highlighted the impact of Registered Apprenticeship programs on local businesses and communities. Employer representatives from Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, World Magnetics, Moore Mechanical, NMCAA, MR Products, Great Lakes Eye Consultants, Great Lakes Orthopaedic Center, Habitat for Humanity, Serra Traverse City, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Red Barn Auto, Munson Healthcare, Villa at Traverse Point, and United Engineered Technologies shared their experiences and perspectives on how Registered Apprenticeship strengthens their workforces, develops talent, and creates meaningful career opportunities throughout the region.

Apprentices Josh Nelson of MR Products and Montana McClouth of Red Barn Auto shared their personal experiences, offering insight into the value of earning while learning, developing new skills and building a career through Registered Apprenticeship.

Graduates represented a diverse range of industries and occupations, including construction, healthcare, customer service, early childhood education, CNC programming, manufacturing, automotive technician specialties and more. The variety of career pathways demonstrates how Registered Apprenticeship can help employers develop talent across multiple industries while providing individuals with opportunities to advance their careers.

A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of Jill Ponstein of Kalkaska Memorial Health Center as Mentor of the Year. This award recognizes her commitment to supporting apprentices, sharing industry knowledge and helping develop the next generation of skilled professionals.

“The Northwest Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Services Team is incredibly proud to host this annual event and this year was even more special. With 77 graduating apprentices in 23 different job titles, we recognized Journeyworkers in very traditional trades as well as emerging occupations.  Extraordinary mentors and dedicated employers were also recognized for their efforts in supporting apprentices throughout their journeys.  We are grateful to play a role in these success stories and proud of what we continue to accomplish with all of our apprenticeship partners throughout Northwest Michigan,” said Evelyn Szpliet, Northwest Michigan Works! Regional Director of Apprenticeship Services.

The record-breaking graduation class reflects the continued growth and importance of Registered Apprenticeship as a workforce development strategy in Northwest Michigan. By combining paid, hands-on experience with structured training, apprenticeship programs help businesses build a skilled workforce while giving individuals a direct pathway to career success.

Congratulations to all 77 graduates, and thank you to the employers, mentors and partners who make Registered Apprenticeship opportunities possible throughout Northwest Michigan.

Northwest Michigan Works! is a program of Networks Northwest, connecting job seekers with career opportunities and helping employers find, train and retain talent. Through Registered Apprenticeship and other workforce development initiatives, Northwest Michigan Works! supports career pathways that benefit individuals, businesses and communities.