Manistee County Launches Michigan’s First Police Officer Apprenticeship

May 24, 2021

A first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program in Michigan will help a local sheriff’s department meet the demand for officers. Northwest Michigan Works! in a partnership with the Manistee County Sheriff has launched a unique US Department of Labor registered apprenticeship for Police Officers.

The program includes 3000 hours of paid on-the-job training along with 435 hours of related technical instruction provided through West Shore Community College. Apprentices achieve a National Occupational Credential through the US Department of Labor stacked with other certifications and achievements.

“The Manistee County Sheriff’s office is pleased to be the first in the State to develop this in-demand occupation through a US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program,” said Brian Gutowski, Manistee County Sheriff. “Law enforcement and public safety departments throughout the state are experiencing expanding gaps in their workforce. Our goal in developing this program in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works! is to create a sustainable pipeline for the future of our office. We are also working to develop a corrections officer apprenticeship which we believe will help aid us in the recruitment and retention of corrections officers.”

Registered apprenticeships are developed through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor and are a proven training method for employers to build a talent pipeline of highly-skilled, educated employees. Registered apprenticeships are offered in over 1300 occupations and can be designed for any size or type of business. Northwest Michigan Works! provides technical assistance and administrative support for registered apprenticeships, including development and implementation guidance.