December 21, 2006 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) today announced awards totaling $2,615,600 to Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs) to pilot the Jobs, Education and Training (JET) Program.

"The JET program will provide additional employment and training services to Michigan workers and provide more people with an opportunity to find a good-paying permanent job here in Michigan," Granholm said.

The JET Program is a partnership between the Department of Human Services, DLEG (Bureau of Workforce Programs and Michigan Rehabilitation Services) and the MWAs to help Michigan's families overcome barriers to work and connect them with the kind of jobs, education, and training opportunities that will help them achieve self-sufficiency and meet the workforce and skill needs of Michigan's businesses.  The JET Program has fewer restrictions than Work First and was designed to give the MWAs more flexibility in providing services to public assistance recipients.

Funding for the JET Program is provided by the state of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  A table is attached with the funding amounts for each MWA.  To view an interactive map of the state's 25 Michigan Works! regions and the counties included in each region, go to http://www.michiganworks.org.

The DLEG is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.