Orders Skills-Based Hiring for State Jobs
Michigan executive order · EO 2026-3
Why it matters
Applicants with military service, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training may get a better chance at state jobs without a college degree. Job postings may change over time as agencies rewrite requirements and questions.
What it does
- Tells state hiring managers to consider skills and experience, not only education, when hiring
- Job postings may require degrees beyond minimum needs only with a cabinet director's approval
- Removes hiring questions and paperwork that do not directly test job skills
- Requires a training course on skills-based hiring for executive department hiring managers
Signed
Signed (2026-05-13) by Governor Gretchen Whitmer as Executive Order 2026-3
About this order
Orders state agencies to hire based on skills and experience, and to limit degree requirements in job postings. Degree requirements above minimums need approval from a cabinet director.
Executive Directive 2026-3: Expanding State Employment Opportunities for Michiganders
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Workforce groups would likely say skills-based hiring widens access to state jobs for people without degrees. They may also say it better predicts job performance.
💬 The case against
Some groups focused on education would likely say degrees still matter for many state jobs. They may worry that skills tests are harder to judge fairly.
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Signed by the governor. Details are at the source link.
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