Career and Technical Education Month: MichAuto’s Role

The MichAuto team is proud to celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month this February by reflecting on the role our talent work plays in supporting Michigan’s workforce. CTE programs play a critical role in developing Michigan’s workforce and building strong talent pipelines for the state’s automotive and mobility sectors. These programs provide students with industry-relevant skills and the professional competencies needed to thrive in high-demand careers.

At MichAuto, we recognize how essential CTE is to strengthening Michigan’s automotive and mobility industry. Talent is one of our core pillars, and we are continually seeking meaningful ways to support and enhance CTE.

A central focus of our talent work is connecting students with real-world industry experience. Through the Discover Auto program, MichAuto offers in-person tours of automotive and mobility companies and exposure to major events such as the Detroit Auto Show. In 2025 alone, Discover Auto helped more than 3,000 students understand the breadth of opportunities available right here in Michigan.

Partnerships are foundational to our approach. MichAuto serves as a connection point to build strong relationships between education and industry. Since MichAuto collaborated with Square One Education Network, its youth robotics program has expanded to more than 300 teams statewide, giving over 29,000 students hands-on technical learning experiences.

The MichAuto Talent and Awareness Committee leads the efforts to bring education and industry leaders together. This group of professionals meets regularly to discuss workforce challenges, share insights, and shape solutions that inform MichAuto’s talent strategy.

CTE also emphasizes clear pathways to credentials for learners. In partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber’s TalentEd team, the Credit Mobility Coalition, made up of representatives from colleges and universities across the state, works to improve credit transferability and expand opportunities for students to earn credit for prior learning. Research shows that students who receive credit for prior experiences save time and money and are 17% more likely to graduate.

Through each of its initiatives, the MichAuto team remains committed to advancing CTE’s goals. By building accessible, inclusive pathways into automotive and mobility careers, we are helping strengthen Michigan’s talent pipeline and meet employers’ evolving needs.