A degree isn't the only way to a good career. Whether you're just starting out or changing direction later on, there are more ways to learn, work, earn credentials, and build a stable career than most people realize — apprenticeships that pay from day one, skilled trades, paid training, and community-college certificates. Here's a map of the funded paths available across Michigan.
The old idea of choosing one path and following it for decades doesn't fit everyone anymore. CRF helps people explore realistic paths, build practical next steps, and find direction — through free resources, guides, and Trailhead, our career-planning tool.
The official federal search tool. Filter registered apprenticeships by trade and location — these pay you a wage from day one with no tuition.
Open this resource →Michigan's own interactive tool showing apprenticeship data by region, industry, and occupation — a good way to see what's active near you.
Open this resource →The state's plain-language hub on how registered apprenticeships work and how to find or start one, with links to local Michigan Works! offices.
Open this resource →A free State of Michigan concierge service that helps you find a registered apprenticeship — or helps an employer build one — at no cost.
Open this resource →Tuition-free community college or a skills certificate for adults 25+ who don't yet have a degree. Note the age requirement before you count on it.
Open this resource →Michigan's official list of public institutions offering skilled-trades training — a vetted starting point instead of a search-engine guess.
Open this resource →The state job board, including apprenticeship listings and work-based learning openings you can apply to directly.
Open this resource →Local offices across the state that help with training funding, apprenticeship readiness, and the job search — in person and free to use.
Open this resource →A U.S. Department of Labor toolkit: find training, search scholarships, and explore careers without needing a four-year degree.
Open this resource →An official military resource for exploring service branches, military jobs, training, career paths, and how to connect with a recruiter.
Open this resource →Free career training — and housing — for eligible young adults, run by the U.S. Department of Labor, with centers in Michigan.
Open this resource →The state list of all 28 Michigan community colleges — search by your zip to find the closest. Each offers certificates and two-year degrees in trades and technical fields, and Michigan Reconnect can make the tuition free for eligible students. Often the closest good option nobody thinks to check.
Open this resource →