TALENT & EDUCATION

Talent

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The Detroit Region’s large workforce allows companies to successfully launch from day one and scale as growth demands.

The Detroit Region has one of the largest workforces in the United States. It provides employers of all sizes access to a vast talent pool, ensuring they can launch quickly and scale confidently. A strong network of 34 universities and community colleges provides a steady stream of highly educated graduates, providing talent that can grow alongside your company over time.

  • With 2.7 million workers, the Detroit Region’s workforce is larger than the working population of 28 other states.
  • Even if other states are projected to grow at a higher rate, it will take them years to reach the size of Michigan’s workforce — other metros are growing, but we have already grown.
    • The Detroit Region’s workforce already offers more than a million more workers than high-growth regions such as Denver, Charlotte, Austin, Indianapolis, and Nashville.
  • Metro Detroit is No. 1 for graduate retention with a rate of 78% for four- and two-year institutions, resulting in 55,000 professionals entering the workforce annually.

The Detroit Region boasts an innovation-driven, uniquely skilled workforce capable of supporting the full spectrum of talent needs.

With expertise spanning from concept to mass production, our workforce is prepared to address the full set of needs required for next-generation mobility, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy technologies — establishing the region as a leader in these industries. Supporting North America’s largest automotive cluster, the Detroit Region’s workforce is uniquely positioned to support the full vertical required by companies seeking specialized talent in high-tech sectors.

  • The Detroit market ranks No. 1 for automotive assembly and manufacturing talent, offering more skilled manufacturing workers than any other metro.
  • Metro Detroit ranks No. 2 in the U.S. for engineering talent with more than 77,000 engineers — many with specialized knowledge and experience across disciplines, including: mechanical, electrical, and chemical.
  • Michigan is No. 1 in the nation for business-funded automotive and mobility related R&D, making up 67% of the nation’s share with $13B in funding, fostering an environment of innovation.
  • The Detroit region boasts nearly 98,800 tech-related professionals, with 39,000 software engineers securing its position among the top 20 tech talent markets.
  • Detroit ranks as the 3rd best U.S. market for offering high quality-low cost talent.
    • Over the past 5 years, Detroit has experienced a surge of nearly 9,000 technology professionals outranking growth in markets like Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia and San Diego.
    • The Detroit market ranks 4th for accommodating female tech workers.

Education

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Our top-notch universities and community colleges support a highly educated, dynamic workforce that offers stability and adaptability.

Employers in the Detroit Region thrive on our exceptional higher education system, ensuring access to the talent required both now, and in the future. The region’s nine community colleges excel in creating custom training programs and technical training centers, allowing employers opportunities to develop specialized talent as business needs emerge and technology evolves. With top-ranked universities and colleges consistently producing the finest graduates and boasting the nation’s highest graduate retention rates, businesses enjoy a steady influx of skilled professionals year after year.

  • There are 9 community colleges, 13 specialty colleges/institutes, and 12 universities.

    • More than 240,000 students enrolled at the 34 colleges and universities in the region.
    • More than 60,000 annual completions from regional institutions: 13% certificates, 20% associate degrees, 51% bachelor’s degrees, and 26% master’s degrees or higher.
    • There are more than 400 programs offered in the region. Top programs by completion: business administration, computer science, mechanical engineering, accounting and finance, electrical engineering, HVAC, law, and marketing.
    • The University Research Corridor (URC) ranks No. 1 for student enrollment, with more than 152,000 students attending the three universities.

      • URC also ranks No. 2 for tech licensing and options, No. 3 for degrees awarded, and No. 4 for research and development spending expenditures.
      • URC ranks as the top university corridor for mobility degrees and is also leading in technology and medical degrees.


        Note: All data is for 2022. Sources: Lightcast & URC.

The Detroit Region’s diverse workforce enables innovation and provides a welcoming environment to companies from around the world.

The Detroit Region has one of the most diverse populations in the country, offering a beautiful mosaic of cultures, languages, skills, and perspectives. Companies choosing the Detroit Region benefit from a workforce with diverse viewpoints and experience that help drive innovation.

This provides the foundation for a welcoming community where international professionals and their families are supported.

  • The Detroit Region is home to more than 1,300 foreign-owned business facilities representing over 38 countries — all with their respective expat communities and support networks.
  • The Detroit Region is home to nearly 500,000 foreign-born citizens and nearly 28,000 international students.
  • Racial and cultural diversity are celebrated through unique ethnically centered communities. This includes the largest density of Arab Americans in the U.S. and Detroit and Flint, which are two of the nation’s most iconic majority-Black cities.