Key Takeaways

• Detroit has one of the highest concentrations of STARs among major U.S. metro areas
• Black STARs are overrepresented in lower-wage roles but underrepresented in high-wage opportunities
• Data insights revealed transferable skills across industries, especially for EV-related careers
• Career pathways analysis identified multiple routes for STARs to move into higher-wage work
• Employers are positioned to play a catalytic role in improving STARs' mobility

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Case Summary

Detroit’s transition to an electric vehicle-driven economy brings both promise and challenge. With over a million workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs), the region is rich in overlooked talent. Yet many STARs—particularly Black workers—remain concentrated in lower-wage, production roles, despite possessing transferable skills well suited for high-growth sectors.

Opportunity@Work partnered with the Detroit Regional Partnership to surface labor market insights that highlight where STARs are and how their skills align with regional economic needs. Analysis revealed strong potential for STARs to transition into emerging fields such as battery electric vehicles, power electronics, and cybersecurity—especially with reskilling support. The study also mapped career pathways, uncovering opportunities for STARs to move from low- and middle-wage jobs into roles with significantly higher earnings.

The findings are now guiding a regional approach to shift hiring norms, prioritize STARs in workforce strategies, and support inclusive economic development. Employers have a key role to play: as job providers, talent developers, and conveners who can align their talent practices with Detroit’s evolving economy.