As Michigan continues to grapple with a shortage of professional trades workers, local organizations are stepping in to provide students and workers with new opportunities to build careers in these high-demand fields.

According to Pure Michigan Talent Connect, professional trades—including manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, and IT—make up over 520,000 jobs statewide. An estimated 45,000 new job openings in these fields are projected annually through 2030.

Notably, these positions tend to offer strong wages and don’t necessarily require a traditional four-year college degree. In fact, Pure Michigan Talent Connect reports that “wages for professional trades occupations are 16.2% higher than other occupations,” with a median salary of $61,000.

Scholarships Supporting Trade Careers

To encourage young people to enter the skilled trades, a range of scholarships is now available.

One such program is the Glenn Lottie Scholarship, which awards $2,000 to a student pursuing a skilled trade. The scholarship was created by the Blue Tigers, a community outreach arm of the Manistee County Democratic Party, in honor of Lottie’s longstanding commitment to the community. He was instrumental in projects such as upgrading the county’s accounting and document systems, launching a recycling initiative, and serving across various county government and nonprofit roles.

Applications for the Glenn Lottie Scholarship are currently open. Students can contact Shirley Madden, Blue Tiger chairperson, at gspmadden@gmail.com for details.

Another opportunity is the 4Front Foundation’s 2025 Trade Scholarship Program, which offers four $2,500 scholarships to Michigan residents aged 17 or older. Eligible applicants must currently be working in the trades, enrolled in an apprenticeship program, or pursuing skilled trades education.

“We’re proud to invest in the hardworking individuals who are building and maintaining the backbone of our communities,” said Jess Oxnevad, executive director at the 4Front Foundation. “These scholarships are about more than just financial support — they’re about recognizing and encouraging the people who keep our communities running strong.”

The funds can be used for tools, safety gear, and tuition or fees for training programs, apprenticeships, or two-year college courses. Qualified trades include construction, plumbing/HVAC, energy, manufacturing, and automotive fields. The application deadline is June 15, and more information is available at 4frontfoundation.org.

MI Trades Career Fair 2025

In addition to financial aid, Michigan residents interested in trades careers can take advantage of the upcoming MI Trades Career Fair 2025, hosted in Lansing. The in-person fair will take place May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grand River Building, 2407 N. Grand River Ave.

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual session will also be held May 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. Both sessions aim to connect job seekers with employers and training programs.

To register for either session, visit michigan.gov/mitrades.

These efforts reflect growing momentum across Michigan to close the skilled trades gap—one student, one scholarship, and one job opportunity at a time.

Originally reported by Michelle Fedder in Manistee News.