Updated

Updated · WZZM13.com · May 13

Whitmer Orders Skills-Based Hiring Across Michigan State Agencies in Directive 2026-3

Updated

Updated · WZZM13.com · May 13

Whitmer Orders Skills-Based Hiring Across Michigan State Agencies in Directive 2026-3

1 articles · Updated · WZZM13.com · May 13

Executive Directive 2026-3 requires Michigan state departments and agencies to shift hiring toward candidates’ skills rather than degrees, certifications or years of experience.
The order aims to widen access to good-paying state jobs for people with non-traditional educational backgrounds while building a more resilient, versatile workforce.
State offices must update job postings and position descriptions, strip out application requirements that do not directly assess skills, and create easier ways for applicants to present relevant competencies.
The directive also tells the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to help private employers adopt the same approach, extending the policy beyond state government.

Will prioritizing skills over degrees truly close the opportunity gap or just create new barriers for job seekers?

As hiring relies on AI, what safeguards will protect qualified candidates from being unfairly screened by algorithms?