(The Center Square) – Michigan ranks third in the nation for helping residents find employment opportunities, outdoing all its Midwest neighbors.
This is according to the 2024 annual report from The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity.
In an exclusive interview with The Center Square, Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment & Training, discussed the report’s findings.
“Our work at LEO’s Office of Employment and Training plays an important role in delivering customized workforce solutions to create brighter futures for all Michiganders—and our annual report demonstrates we are moving the needle and making a real impact,” Beckhorn said.
Nationally, Michigan ranks first for credential attainment for adults and for helping vocational rehabilitation customers (individuals with disabilities) get employed. Its vocational rehabilitation customers also have the highest median earnings in the country.
“Michigan’s national leadership in workforce development is no accident. It’s the result of strong collaboration with partners like Michigan Works!, Adult Education providers, labor organizations and Community Rehabilitation Organizations,” Beckhorn explained. “We’re working together to build a demand-driven workforce, provide worker training, support career-based education, focus on job preparedness and connect more people to meaningful employment.”
In total in 2024, LEO’s workforce programs helped nearly 200,000 Michiganders secure employment, provided employment and training services to more than 346,000 individuals, and supported nearly 8,000 Michigan businesses. Nearly 28,000 industry-recognized credentials were also earned.
“LEO’s workforce programs are directly aligned with the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan, which is focused on helping more Michiganders earn credentials, expanding access to opportunity and driving business growth,” Beckhorn said. “These efforts are part of a larger vision to make Michigan a top 10 state for labor force participation. That means investing in people, removing barriers to employment and ensuring every Michigander has a path to success, regardless of their background or ability.”
Currently, Michigan’s labor force participation rate is around the national average, with some fluctuation month to month.
In May 2025, the state had 61.9% labor force participation. That places it 33rd in the nation.
By comparison, the national average in May was 62.4%, and top states are in the 70% range.
Beckhorn said LEO knows more needs to be done.
“We know our work is never done. We’re committed to continuing to explore innovative solutions to deliver even greater and more impactful results. With the help of our partners in the legislature, we will continue to invest in high-impact programs,” she said. “We sincerely believe that with the right support and resources, more people and businesses will be able to ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
