July 27, 2026
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has released its 2025 Employment and Training Annual Report, and the findings show Michigan continues to be a national leader in delivering workforce development services to residents and businesses.
In 2025, LEO Employment and Training helped more than 225,000 Michiganders secure jobs—a 13% increase over the previous year—while serving nearly 400,000 individuals statewide and leading the nation in credential attainment among adults using workforce development services.
As one of 16 Michigan Works! agencies across the state, Michigan Works! Southwest contributes to these statewide successes by connecting job seekers with career opportunities, skills training, and supportive services while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need to grow. Through strong partnerships and innovative workforce solutions, Michigan Works! Southwest is helping create career pathways that strengthen the regional economy and support Michigan's continued leadership in advanced manufacturing, health care, and other high-demand industries.
"The achievements highlighted in this report reflect the extraordinary efforts of Michigan Works! happening in communities across the state," said Jakki Bungart-Bibb, director of Michigan Works! Southwest. "At Michigan Works! Southwest, our team builds trusted relationships with job seekers, helping them navigate challenges, develop new skills, and find careers that can change the trajectory of their lives. At the same time, our business solutions team works closely with employers to address workforce needs and build stronger businesses. Their dedication is at the heart of these statewide accomplishments."
The achievements documented in LEO's 2025 Employment and Training Annual Report highlight the collective efforts of workforce partners across the state, including Michigan Works! Southwest, to build a demand-driven workforce that benefits individuals, employers, and communities alike.