Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Expanding Skills-Based Opportunities for Michiganders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Expanding Skills-Based Opportunities for Michiganders

LANSING, Mich.-Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2026-3, building on the work of the Michigan Civil Service Commission and directing state departments and agencies to engage in skills-based hiring in state government. Skills-based hiring helps more Michiganders with non-traditional education backgrounds to get good-paying jobs and creates a more resilient and versatile workforce. This executive directive builds on the work Governor Whitmer has done since day one to help more Michiganders get the skills they need for good-paying jobs.

"When skilled Michiganders step up to serve, everyone wins," said Governor Whitmer. "I'm committed to helping more Michiganders with the right skills get good-paying jobs, no matter their backgrounds. I'm proud of our bold actions to grow our economy, open more pathways to opportunity, and help more Michiganders get hired. Let's keep working together to help more working families 'make it' in Michigan."

The executive directive directs all state department offices and agencies to use skills-based hiring in their efforts to recruit, retain, and develop the careers of talented employees. It directs state hiring managers to consider the full set of competencies that candidates bring to the job and align job postings and hiring requirements with skills-based hiring. The directive also encourages departments and agencies to highlight opportunities such as Michigan Reconnect for employees to obtain postsecondary degrees and credentials. Finally, the directive directs the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to help Michigan employers adopt skills-based hiring practices as a strategy for attracting and retaining talented employees.

"Michigan is committed to a state workforce that is both highly capable and broadly representative of the people we serve," said Susan Corbin, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. "By prioritizing skills, we're ensuring that what matters most is what you know and what you can do - creating real opportunity for all Michiganders.

"The Michigan Workforce Development Board recognizes skills-based hiring as a proven strategy to fill critical roles with high quality talent and retain employees longer," said Jessica Brousseau, Executive Director of the Michigan Workforce Development Board and LEO Chief of Staff. "Today, the state is putting that evidence into practice, and we are proud to have supported this action."

You can find out more about Executive Directive 2026-3 here.

Background

• Released the first-ever Statewide Workforce Plan, a comprehensive roadmap with strategies to ensure all Michiganders have the skills, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.

• Announced an executive directive to reach more young men and boost their enrollment in postsecondary programs.

• Supported Michiganders who are pursuing apprenticeships by ensuring the Michigan Education Savings Program covers fees, books, and supplies.

• Invested in Going PRO to help businesses up-skill in-house talent, secure resources for talent retention, expand partnerships with union training facilities, and more. In the last 4 years, created over 23,000 new apprenticeships in Michigan.

• CTE

• Established Michigan Reconnect, offering a tuition-free path to an associate's degree or skills training certificate to any Michigander 25 and older. Proposing to permanently lower the age of eligibility down to 21 in FY2027 budget, opening Reconnect up to more Michiganders.

• Expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship so more than 100,000 students can get up to $27,500 toward a 4-year degree at a public or private university.

• Delivered on the Michigan Guarantee, giving every Michigan high school graduate the chance to earn an associate's degree or skills certificate at their local community college, tuition-free.

• Established an Economic and Worker Economic Transition Office and pilot program to sustain growth as Michigan transitions to the economy of the future.