Michigan Expands Free Workforce-Focused English Training Program

 More than 250 free EnGen licenses available to unlock potential, strengthen retention and expand opportunity for Michigan workers

LANSING, MI (May 15, 2025) — Michigan is deepening its commitment to building a future-ready workforce by offering to workers across the state a no-cost opportunity to learn career-aligned English skills.  More than 250 EnGen licenses are now available via the Michigan Global Talent Initiative (MGTI), a statewide talent development strategy designed to power the local workforce. The licenses, already in use by Michigan-based employers, community colleges, and workforce development organizations to upskill local workforces, are now available directly to individual learners who seek to improve their English skills for work.

The effort is designed to engage Michigan’s global talent —a high-potential segment of the workforce that is often underutilized by local employers, even as Michigan employers continue to grapple with staffing shortages in essential sectors like healthcare and manufacturing.  More than 123,000 working-age adults in Michigan are English learners. Many have in-demand skills, credentials, and experience, but language barriers have historically limited their access to workforce development and training opportunities.

“Michigan’s economic future depends on our ability to engage the full breadth of talent in our communities. For too long, English learners have been left out of key workforce conversations, not because of a lack of potential, but because of a lack of access,” said PARTNER QUOTE. “This initiative connects  workers with high-demand workforce skills, including English skills.” 

EnGen’s AI-powered solution delivers flexible, career-aligned English instruction that workers can access anytime, anywhere—from a smartphone or tablet. With on-demand digital learning, live group classes, enrollment support, and personalized coaching, EnGen supports both frontline workers and internationally trained professionals. EnGen is already in use by more than 600 workers across dozens of organizations in Michigan.

“English is not just a language – it’s a workforce skill,” said Dr. Katie Brown, founder and chief education officer of EnGen. “We meet learners where they are, with content that reflects their real-world goals, industries, and schedules. Michigan is showing what’s possible when states understand that language is a  foundational part of workforce strategy.”

Michigan-based learners, along with local employers, community colleges, and workforce partners, are encouraged to take advantage of the over 250 licenses now available through this program. To learn more or register for licenses, visit the links below: 

About EnGen

EnGen offers an at-scale, AI-powered approach to English instruction, designed to solve a systemic access issue: Adult English learners now represent 1 in 10 working-age adults, yet the U.S. serves the needs of just 4% of these speakers of other languages. A Certified B Corporation, EnGen partners with employers, adult educators, workforce development and state governments to open pathways to careers and credentials in high-demand industries. EnGen’s career-aligned approach addresses employers’ recruitment and retention challenges and advances learners’ economic mobility. 

About the Michigan Global Talent Coalition

The Michigan Global Talent Coalition is a collection of 20+ statewide and local chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, industry associations and key supporters who believe that the intentional inclusion of immigrant talent in Michigan’s economic development and workforce development plans, policies, and programs will expand the state’s economic growth, shared prosperity and competitiveness. The Coalition has advocated for the Michigan Global Talent Initiative, a five-year investment to ensure comprehensive immigrant inclusion in the State’s Sixty by 30 workforce development goals.

Sara McElmurry