Skilled trades remain one of the fastest, most reliable paths to a living wage for returning citizens — and Michigan employers are hiring. From construction and welding to HVAC and commercial driving, many trades focus on skill and certification rather than a spotless background, and they offer clear ladders from apprentice to journeyman to business owner.
Top opportunities include: construction laborer, welder, HVAC technician, CDL truck driver, electrician’s apprentice, plumber’s apprentice, forklift operator, warehouse technician, landscaping/groundskeeping, and manufacturing machine operator. Many of these fields offer paid, on-the-job apprenticeships that let you earn while you learn.
To get started: contact your local Michigan Works! office for apprenticeship referrals, ask your reentry case manager about fee-waived certification programs, and be upfront with employers about your background — many trades employers specifically partner with reentry programs because they value the work ethic and reliability of returning citizens.
Bring a resume that highlights any hands-on experience — including work assignments completed during incarceration — and follow up in person when possible. Persistence and a willingness to start at entry level open doors quickly in these fields.