State Rep. David Martin last week voted in support of House Bill 4279, legislation creating the Michigan Army National Guard and Air National Guard Apprenticeship Act.

The bill establishes a statewide apprenticeship program through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) that will align National Guard training with registered apprenticeship opportunities.

“Our National Guard members develop real, job-ready skills while they serve,” said Martin (R-Davison). “This plan helps make sure that experience translates into recognized credentials and good career opportunities here at home.”

Under the legislation, qualified members of the Michigan Army National Guard and Air National Guard whose military occupational specialty or Air Force specialty code aligns with a registered apprenticeship would be eligible to participate in the program. Apprenticeships will be offered at no cost to eligible service members and will be coordinated through LEO in partnership with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the state approving agency for GI Bill programs, and other relevant agencies.

Upon completion of the program, participants would receive a certificate of completion consistent with state and federal apprenticeship standards.

Martin said the measure will help ease the transition from military service to civilian employment while strengthening Michigan’s workforce.

“We ask a lot of the men and women who serve in the Guard,” said Martin. “If they’re trained in infrastructure, logistics, medical support, or skilled trades while wearing the uniform, we should make sure those skills carry real weight when they transition into the civilian workforce.”

The bill passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.