Jason Kronemeyer

Building Michigan’s First Limited-Energy Infrastructure Workforce Center of Excellence in the Eastern Upper Peninsula

Executive Summary

Michigan faces a growing demand for workers who can install, maintain, secure, and operate the infrastructure that powers connected communities. Fiber broadband, structured cabling, smart buildings, cybersecurity, building automation, security systems, utility communications, and emerging Class 4 fault-managed power technologies are converging into a new workforce category commonly described as limited-energy infrastructure.

Federal broadband investments, utility modernization initiatives, data center expansion, and smart-building deployment are accelerating demand for technicians, engineers, and infrastructure specialists with interdisciplinary skills spanning communications, information technology, and electrical systems. While many states are investing in broadband workforce development, few have established a comprehensive framework that integrates workforce training, applied research, industry certifications, apprenticeship pathways, and infrastructure deployment into a single regional ecosystem.

The Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) is uniquely positioned to become Michigan’s leader in this emerging field. The region possesses a rare combination of assets, including Bay Mills Community College, Lake Superior State University, Cloverland Electric Cooperative, tribal governments, regional broadband providers, EUPISD Career and Technical Education programs, and the EUPConnect Collaborative. Together, these organizations can establish Michigan’s first Limited-Energy Infrastructure Workforce Center of Excellence.

Under this model, Bay Mills Community College would serve as the primary workforce entry point through certificates, industry credentials, pre-apprenticeships, and tribal workforce development programs. Lake Superior State University would provide advanced education, applied research, and innovation leadership in network engineering, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure, utility communications, and building automation. Cloverland Electric Cooperative’s proposed Training and Technology Center would function as a regional living laboratory where students, apprentices, researchers, and employers can gain hands-on experience with fiber networks, smart-grid technologies, renewable energy systems, broadband infrastructure, and intelligent building systems.

This integrated ecosystem would create stackable career pathways from K-12 career exploration through industry certifications, apprenticeships, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and high-wage employment opportunities. It would also strengthen workforce participation among rural, tribal, veteran, and underserved populations while supporting economic development across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

By aligning broadband deployment, workforce development, utility modernization, digital equity initiatives, and higher education, Michigan can establish the EUP as a national model for rural and tribal infrastructure workforce development. Rather than focusing solely on fiber technician training, the region can lead the development of a comprehensive limited-energy workforce ecosystem that supports the technologies powering the next generation of connected communities.

The result would be a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers, expanded economic opportunity, increased regional resilience, and a nationally recognized center of excellence that positions Michigan at the forefront of infrastructure innovation and workforce development.

Policy Brief

Building Michigan’s First Limited-Energy Infrastructure Workforce Center of Excellence in the Eastern Upper Peninsula

Executive Summary

Michigan has an opportunity to establish the Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) as the state’s leader in limited-energy technology workforce development. Limited-energy technologies—including fiber broadband, structured cabling, cybersecurity, smart buildings, security systems, building automation, and emerging Class 4 fault-managed power systems—represent one of the fastest-growing infrastructure sectors in the United States.

Federal broadband investments, utility modernization, data center growth, smart-building adoption, and industrial automation are creating demand for technicians who can work across communications, power, and information technology systems. While many states are developing broadband workforce programs, few have integrated these disciplines into a comprehensive workforce ecosystem.

The EUP possesses a unique combination of assets, including:

Together, these organizations can create a statewide model for rural, tribal, and infrastructure workforce development.

The Opportunity

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has expanded the concept of “limited-energy systems” to encompass:

At the same time:

Michigan can leverage these trends to create a comprehensive workforce ecosystem rather than a collection of disconnected training programs.

Strategic Vision

Establish the EUP Limited-Energy Infrastructure Center of Excellence

The proposed model would integrate workforce development, applied research, industry certifications, and infrastructure deployment into a single regional ecosystem.

Workforce Focus Areas

Broadband & Fiber

Information & Communications Technology

Smart Buildings

Safety & Security Systems

Emerging Infrastructure

Institutional Roles

Bay Mills Community College

BMCC should serve as the region’s workforce entry point.

Primary Functions

Strategic Advantages

Lake Superior State University

LSSU should serve as the region’s applied research and advanced education hub.

Primary Functions

Research Opportunities

Cloverland Electric Cooperative

Cloverland’s proposed Training and Technology Center should become the physical anchor of the ecosystem.

Strategic Role

Serve as a living laboratory for:

Develop the facility into the Midwest’s first integrated training center focused on:

Workforce Pipeline Model

Stage 1: K-12 Exposure

Partners:

Activities:

Stage 2: Community College Credentials

Lead:

Outcomes:

Stage 3: Apprenticeships

Partners:

Outcomes:

Stage 4: Advanced Education

Lead:

Outcomes:

Stage 5: Employment & Entrepreneurship

Partners:

Outcomes:

Policy Recommendations

Recommendation 1

Create a State-Recognized Limited-Energy Career Pathway

Michigan should establish a statewide career pathway that integrates broadband, low-voltage, smart-building, and utility communications occupations.

Recommendation 2

Support a Regional Center of Excellence

Provide state support for the EUP to become Michigan’s demonstration region for integrated limited-energy workforce development.

Recommendation 3

Leverage Tribal Partnerships

Use BMCC and tribal governments as national models for broadband and infrastructure workforce development in tribal and rural communities.

Recommendation 4

Align Workforce and Infrastructure Investments

Coordinate workforce funding with:

Recommendation 5

Develop a Living Laboratory

Support deployment of advanced infrastructure systems at:

This would provide hands-on training while demonstrating emerging technologies.

Expected Outcomes

Within five years, the EUP could:

Conclusion

The EUP already possesses the essential ingredients required for leadership in limited-energy technology workforce development. By aligning BMCC’s workforce mission, LSSU’s research capacity, Cloverland’s training center initiative, tribal partnerships, and regional employers, Michigan can create a nationally recognized Center of Excellence that addresses workforce shortages while driving economic growth across rural and tribal communities.

The opportunity is not simply to train fiber technicians. The opportunity is to create the nation’s premier rural and tribal workforce ecosystem for the infrastructure technologies that will power the next generation of connected communities.