Michigan's Results: 95% Completion Rates and $78M in Funding
When Michigan's apprenticeship program achieved 95% completion rates and unlocked over $78 million in state funding, they weren't using an expensive enterprise solution. They found something better: a completely free, compliance-first platform that transforms programs from administrative burdens into strategic workforce assets.
As an apprenticeship director, you know the challenge. Budget constraints limit your technology options while regulatory demands grow more complex. Most tracking systems force you to choose between affordability and functionality—but what if you didn't have to?
Current Platform Limitations and Costs
Traditional apprenticeship platforms like GoSprout and ApprentiScope offer solid functionality, but their pricing models can become prohibitive as your program scales. Per-user fees that seem reasonable for small pilots quickly escalate when you're managing hundreds of apprentices across multiple employers.
More concerning is the administrative burden. Manual compliance reporting consumes 10+ hours per apprentice in paperwork alone. Every missed deadline risks funding opportunities. Every compliance error threatens audit readiness. For apprenticeship directors managing complex, multi-employer programs, these inefficiencies compound quickly.
Craft Connect: A Free Alternative Approach
Craft Connect breaks this paradigm entirely. Built specifically for apprenticeship directors who need more than surface-level tracking, our platform is completely free for educational institutions and registered apprenticeship programs. No user limits. No license fees. No catch.
This isn't a stripped-down "freemium" version—it's the full platform that powers programs achieving measurably superior outcomes.
Setup and Onboarding Process
Getting started feels like using TurboTax for apprenticeship creation. Our step-by-step wizard guides you through complex DOL requirements while AI assistance automatically generates compliant job descriptions and learning plans. You're not navigating regulations alone—you're being guided by intelligence that understands what makes programs successful.
Your free setup package includes six live training calls with US-based experts plus six weekly check-ins during launch. This isn't offshore support reading from scripts—it's unlimited access to specialists who understand the nuances of apprenticeship management.
Automated Compliance Features
We handle all compliance automatically. Our AutoReg feature fills DOL forms (Appendix A, Form 671) with zero manual input, creating audit-ready documentation while saving those critical 10+ hours per apprentice. WIOA reporting, RAPIDS exports, demographic collection—it all happens seamlessly behind the scenes.
Your compliance isn't just tracked; it's transformed into a strategic advantage. Real-time dashboards provide program visibility that helps you identify opportunities for refinement and demonstrate clear ROI to stakeholders.
Program Outcomes and Results
Michigan's success isn't unique. Programs using Craft Connect consistently achieve:
- 95%+ completion rates compared to 82% industry averages
- $78M+ in funding unlocked across partner programs
- 225 new professionals entering critical workforce pipelines
- 65% job placement rates in first-year employment
One program manager summarized it perfectly: "Craft is the only place we document standards progress. It's transformed how we think about apprenticeship management."
Why This Matters for Your Program
Every day without automated compliance costs your program time and money. Every manual process limits your ability to scale. Every missed opportunity to demonstrate outcomes affects future funding decisions.
The platform that helped unlock $78 million in funding is free and available today. The same TurboTax-style onboarding, the same compliance automation, the same proven results framework that transforms administrative burdens into strategic assets.
.png)