November 24, 2009 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the creation of the Michigan Emerging Markets Skill Alliance (MEMSA) for Tool and Die, a partnership of employers and educational institutions that together will provide training to help workers upgrade their skills and adapt to new technology and industry requirements for new jobs in the state's transitioning economy.
"A highly-skilled workforce is a critical part of our plan to create jobs and diversify the economy," Granholm said. "The Michigan Emerging Market Skills Alliance will help workers get the specialized skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy."
The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) collaborated with employers from the tool and die and related industries in Genesee and Shiawassee counties to establish the alliance in conjunction with Granholm's Green Jobs Initiative. That initiative, part of the state's No Worker Left Behind program, is a $6 million investment of federal dollars designed to help accelerate workers' transition into new jobs and increase the number of green industries and businesses in Michigan.
"The skill development and training provided through MEMSA is in direct response to the employers' specific knowledge and skill demands," said DELEG Director Stanley "Skip" Pruss. "We're retooling our shops and our talent base by providing job training geared to the job needs of the region. The alliance will not only promote the economic health and welfare of local business and workers, but help give Michigan a competitive advantage over other states as well."
MEMSA employers have projected a need to train approximately 400 workers for new energy-related jobs as tool and die makers, machinists, machine builders, machine repairers, industrial electricians and mold makers. The first-of-its-kind nontraditional curriculum designed by the alliance goes well beyond the classroom to give workers targeted training that emphasizes hands-on, practical experience in the shop.
Workers can contact Michigan Works! Career Alliance located in Flint to start the eligibility and skills assessment process. Participant eligibility qualifications are the same as those under the specifications of the No Worker Left Behind program. Participants who complete the year-long training will have the option of entering an apprenticeship program with local employers.
Start-up funding of $150,000 for the Michigan Emerging Markets Skill Alliance for Tool and Die was provided under the Green Jobs Initiative using Workforce Investment Act dollars provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. Funding for training is being made available to qualified participants through the No Worker Left Behind.
The Green Jobs Initiative Website, www.michigan.gov/greenjobs, provides data and information on education, and training opportunities.
For more information about DELEG, please visit www.michigan.gov/deleg.
Follow DELEG at http://twitter.com/MIDELEGor visit the "DELEG" page on Facebook and Become a Fan.
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