New Data Shows Nearly 90% of Michigan Jobs Require Digital Skills, One-Third of Workers Currently Have Low or No Digital Skills

The National Skills Coalition (NSC) released new data spotlighting the demand for digital skills in Michigan’s labor market. The NSC analysis found that 89% of jobs analyzed require digital skills, including those in Michigan’s priority sectors like manufacturing, healthcare and agriculture. Previous NSC research found one-third of workers lack the foundational digital skills necessary to enter and thrive in today’s job market, pointing to a significant divide in Michigan’s workforce readiness.

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(Graphic: Business Wire)

The findings come at a pivotal moment as states plan to implement the historic $40 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD), part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021. Over the next few years, more than $1.5 billion will be directed to Michigan through the BEAD program to advance digital equity among populations most impacted by the digital divide.

“By closing the skills gap, we can better prepare Michiganders for economic opportunity, increase workforce readiness, and build on the work we’ve done to connect homes and businesses to high-speed internet,” said Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. “Digital skills training gives people the tools to benefit from their connected communities and can improve the lives of people across the state of Michigan.”

Over the next year, the NSC will work with policymakers, its member state coalitions, Comcast, and non-profit partners to ensure local, state and national leaders are aware of and take advantage of public sector digital equity funds to invest in skill development programs.

“This new research demonstrates the urgency—and the payoff—if Michigan directs a significant portion of BEAD resources to high-quality digital skills training programs,” said Rachel Unruh, National Skills Coalition chief of external affairs. “Digital skills bring the magic to connectivity, and are essential to advancing equity, opportunity, and economic growth.”

The new report also found that public investments to close this digital skill gap can generate measurable economic payoff for workers, businesses and the broader economy. For workers, moving from a job that requires no digital skills to one that requires just one digital skill can yield a 23% increase in wages. For employers, providing workers with upskilling opportunities can save businesses $25,000-$78,000 in turnover and retention costs per employee.