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Traverse Connect asks for modest state support to boost internships and apprenticeships in Northwest Michigan

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity · February 23, 2026

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Summary

Traverse Connect requested state support for a pilot to build job‑board functionality, employer engagement and career events across a 10‑county Northwest Michigan region; presenters described a $110,000 project budget with local matching funds and a plan to leverage private sector support for sustainability.

Traverse Connect representatives told the subcommittee they seek state help to develop a regional strategy to expand internships, apprenticeships and employer engagement in Northwest Michigan.

Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect, framed the project as a pilot to expand internship and apprenticeship placements across a 10‑county region, including enhancements to a job board, marketing and career‑exploration events. Call said the initiative targets manufacturing, health care and growing small businesses and aims to improve early‑career retention in the region.

Call described a conservative budget (total project cost of $110,000) with local matches from Traverse Connect and partner organizations, and emphasized a sustainability model where initial public support is leveraged to attract private employers. Committee members sought clarity on where funds would be spent and whether internships and apprenticeships were already lined up; Call said functionality already exists in related programs and funds would build out internship/apprenticeship specific features and events.

No appropriation vote occurred during the hearing.