• The Impact Award honors Humanetics’ partnership with Oakland County Michigan Works! and the success of its Registered Apprenticeship Program.
• Humanetics launched its Registered Apprenticeship Program in 2022, combining paid, on-the-job training with company-supported education to help apprentices earn industry-recognized credentials.
• Humanetics began partnering with the Southfield office of Oakland County Michigan Works! in 2016 to attract talent and provide workforce training.

Pontiac, Mich. – Humanetics, a global leader in safety and sensor technologies headquartered in Farmington Hills, and apprentice Christopher Bradbury were recently recognized with an Impact Award from the Michigan Works! Association. The award honors the company’s partnership with Oakland County Michigan Works! and the success of its Registered Apprenticeship Program.

The Impact Award celebrates businesses, individuals and Michigan Works! frontline staff across the state who are transforming lives and strengthening communities through workforce development.

“Humanetics is the latest in a long list of innovative employers who have built successful training programs to prepare workers for careers in the 21st Century,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter.

Humanetics launched its Registered Apprenticeship Program for electronics’ technicians and CNC machinists in 2022 to build a pipeline of highly skilled workers. The program combines paid, on-the-job training with company-supported education to help apprentices earn industry-recognized credentials.

Christopher Bradbury joined Humanetics in 2023 and entered the electronics technician Registered Apprenticeship Program the following year. He was paired with mentor Gordon Lomerson.

“This apprenticeship provides on-the-job training and schooling, plus I like the opportunity to go to work and school at the same time,” Bradbury said. “I’ve learned a lot and feel more comfortable every day. My goal is to become invaluable to the company. I would like to eventually become a mentor myself.”

David Danes, operations manager at Humanetics, said the company has taken a more intentional approach to workforce development.

“We make sure the apprentice is successful day in and day out,” he said. “The biggest difference between a standard onboarding process and the apprenticeship is the depth of education and skill-building that goes into the two-year program.”

Humanetics began partnering with the Southfield office of Oakland County Michigan Works! in 2016 to attract talent and provide workforce training. The company received $150,000 from the Going PRO Talent Fund in Fiscal year 2023-24 to train 76 employees. It has also hosted Oakland County Manufacturing Day tours since 2022, giving students a firsthand look at careers in advanced manufacturing. In 2023, Humanetics collaborated with Oakland Schools on a “Design Thinking” program to strengthen problem-solving skills among students.

“We truly appreciate Humanetics’ commitment to Oakland County’s workforce and providing apprenticeship and other training opportunities to its skilled workforce,” said Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works!

Founded in 1952, Humanetics employs more than 1,000 people across 26 facilities worldwide. The company designs and manufactures crash test dummies, virtual simulation software, precision sensors, laser-based materials technology and more, serving industries including automotive, aerospace and defense.

Oakland County Michigan Works! operates six service centers in Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy and Waterford that assist more than 105,000 job seekers each year. Services include career coaching, job search support, training and labor market insights. The agency also supports more than 3,000 local employers with talent recruitment, job fairs, candidate screening, apprenticeship development, training funds and layoff assistance.

Staff are available for in-person or virtual appointments. To schedule, call 248-858-5520 and select your nearest location. A schedule of free virtual workshops for job seekers is available at OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.